§ Mr. Nicholas Wintertonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Her Majesty's Government will review the level of fines imposed on the owners of dogs which worry livestock.
§ Mr. MayhewThe maximum fine is currently £200 and under section 143 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1952, as amended by section 48 of the Criminal Justice Act 1982, is subject to increase in accordance with changes in the value of money. Within the maximum in force, sentencing in individual cases is a matter entirely for the courts. In 1981 the fines imposed ranged from under £10 to over £150 with an average of £28.53. The courts are also empowered to award compensation and to order the destruction of the dog concerned.