§ Mr. Crouchasked the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (1) if he will institute an inquiry into the loss of sheep killed by stray dogs; and if he will consider introducing measures strengthening the penalties against the owners of these dogs;
(2) what compensation is payable from public funds to sheep farmers who suffer loss of sheep killed by stray dogs.
§ Mrs. FennerThe loss of sheep and other livestock killed by dogs is a matter of concern to the Government. Livestock worrying is an offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, and the maximum fine on the owner or handler of a dog found worrying livestock on agricultural land was raised in 1984 to £400. The Animals Act 1971 makes the keeper of a dog which kills or injures livestock responsible for the damage and liable to a claim for compensation, and under the same legislation farmers may shoot a dog if there is no other way of preventing it attacking their stock.
The problem of worrying is well understood, and I do not believe there are grounds for an inquiry. However, I am aware that the legislation must be supplemented by a vigorous campaign of education, publicity and advice. My Department is contributing to this by continuing its successful publicity campaign launched in 1984. would be glad to enlist my hon. Friend's assistance in this campaign, and will be sending him the Department's material on the subject.