HC Deb 20 November 1952 vol 507 cc185-6W
68. Mr. G. Williams

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he is contemplating to deal with owners of dogs which worry sheep.

Sir T. Dugdale

Civil proceedings for damages can be taken against the owners of dogs that injure sheep. Such dogs may be dealt with as dangerous dogs under the Dogs Acts and ordered by a court to be kept under proper control or destroyed. I do not think that there is any need to provide additional methods for dealing with owners of dogs that worry sheep and my recent consideration of the problem has been directed rather to securing that dogs are kept under control in areas where they might cause harm to livestock.

70. Commander Maitland

asked the Minister of Agriculture what action he proposes to take to reduce effectively the number of cases of sheep-worrying by dogs.

Sir T. Dugdale

Until it is possible to introduce new legislation there is very little more that can be done by the Government to reduce sheep-worrying, but I intend to continue to try to bring home to dog owners the importance of preventing their dogs from worrying livestock. I am glad to say that I have been promised the full support of a number of the animal welfare societies in these efforts.