Will a new livestock worrying law reduce attacks?
Devastating dog attacks on farm animals are regularly reported across the UK, and statistics suggest it is a growing problem, but is a new law likely to make any difference? We asked some of those on the front line in Suffolk.
MPs have backed plans to give police greater powers to prosecute dog owners for attacks, and to provide tougher punishments for offenders.
Tilly Abbott, a shepherd near Ipswich, says dogs have attacked her sheep numerous times and welcomes tougher laws to tackle the issue.
"It can be absolutely devastating, it's not only about the physical loss there and then, it can be about the future loss, with lambs being aborted or lambs being born dead," she said.
She urges dog owners to keep their pets on leads whenever they are close to livestock.
"You don't know your dog, realistically, because although they might be lovely and cuddly at home, when those natural instincts kick in, they can be really quite vicious at times."
The maximum fine in England and Wales is £1,000, and £40,000 in Scotland but it can be hard to catch offenders.
The new bill, introduced by Conservative MP for Suffolk Coastal Therese Coffey, would make it easier for the police to seize dogs, search properties and collect dental samples.
Sgt Chris Green from Suffolk Police's rural crime unit says a lack of CCTV can mean relying on eyewitnesses.
"We have had a lead previously with things like DNA swabbing but it is a challenge for the police as an offence, purely because of its location a lot of the time," he said.
Insurer NFU Mutual says livestock worrying cost the farming industry £2.4m in 2023, a rise of 30% from 2022.
Ella Thackray, Suffolk county advisor for the National Farmers Union, is optimistic the new law will make a difference.
"A by-product of this bill is that hopefully it's going to raise that awareness to the general public," she said.
Some farmers have taken extra measures to try to stop dogs from reaching their animals.
Two dogs attacked sheep at Hollow Trees Farm in Hadleigh, Suffolk, after escaping from a garden.
Farm manager Will Pratt said it made them tighten up security: "We've started fencing more, with permanent fencing, proper stock netting.
"And we've also been stronger on our rule that we are a no-dog site."
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is currently going through Parliament.
With government backing, it is likely to pass and could come into force from the start of 2025.
Former Environment Secretary Therese Coffey previously told the Commons: "Livestock worrying is an issue of significant concern for farmers and rural communities, providing much distress and cost for animals and farmers."
"We do want to see an effective deterrent to this kind of harm to livestock. I believe this bill will achieve that."
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