The bill aimed at enhancing farm animals protection against dog attacks passed a third reading at the Commons, supported by unanimous support.
The Dog (Livestock Protection) (Amendment) bill seeks to modernize current laws and provide police with greater power to investigate and prevent attacks on livestock.
The NFU has repeatedly campaigned for stricter measures to worry about livestock, welcoming progress and calling it a “significant step forward” for rural communities and animal welfare.
This was the second attempt to update the original Dog (Food Livestock Protection) Act of 1953, and the Commons vote was hailed as a breakthrough after years of industry lobbying.
The NFU mutual estimates that nearly 1.8 million pounds of farm animals were seriously injured or killed in the 2024 dog attack.
In the UK, the Midlands were the worst hit region by cost, with dog attacks costing an estimated £452,000, followed by the southwest of £225,000.
Previous attempts to strengthen the law have derailed in 2023, when the government’s broader animal welfare (maintaining animals) bill was withdrawn.
Over 20,000 people have signed NFU petitions, urging police and criminal commissioners (PCCs) to take action, highlighting the strength of public concern over repeated attacks by dogs on sheep and other livestock.
“It’s great to see the bill pass a third reading. Livestock continues to do serious harm to animals and hit farmers. It’s essential that the law keeps walking,” said Rachel Harros, the union’s vice president.
“The NFU has long been campaigning for stricter laws to worry about stricter livestock laws.
If passed to the law, the bill would seize dogs involved in serious attacks on livestock and grant the police enhanced powers to enter private property when investigating a crime.
Police could also take forensic evidence from animals and dogs to assist in prosecution.
The purpose of this legislation aims to support a more robust response to issues that continue to destroy agricultural communities across the UK, particularly during lamb season.
Harros praised the work of MP Afra Brandless in bringing the issue to Congress, saying, “We are extremely grateful to Afra Brandless for defending this issue and for helping to bring the farmer’s voice to Congress.
“Her work helped push this important law forward.”
With strong cross-party support and government support, the bill is now heading towards the House.
