§ Mr. Geraint Howellsasked the Secretary of State for Wales how many sheep have been killed by dogs in Wales during the last 12 months; what were the corresponding figures for each of the last 10 years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas EdwardsStatistics of livestock reported killed by dogs ceased to be kept centrally after 1978. The number of sheep killed in 19798 was 775 and in 1977 was 948. My Department will continue to give publicity to this serious problem. The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 imposes a specific responsibility on owners to control their dogs when in the vicinity of sheep.