§ Mr. Biffenasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what evidence he possesses of any upward trend in the incidence of sheep worrying by dogs; and whether he will set up an interdepartmental committee to consider the present licensing arrangements for dogs.
§ Mr. Anthony StodartThe latest evidence is that the number of sheep killed and injured by dogs showed a steady decline from 8,473 in 1970 to 6,266 in 1972, but I would continue to urge all those responsible for dogs in the countryside to keep them under proper control.
My right hon. and learned Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment is considering whether there should be an interdepartmental review of problems concerning dogs, and this could include the present licensing arrangements.