WQ83218 (e) Member declared an interest Tabled on 18/08/2021

What steps is the Welsh Government taking to minimise dog attacks on livestock in Wales?

Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd | Answered on 24/08/2021

This is a worrying and distressing issue for our farming communities and something we take very seriously. We would encourage livestock keepers to report all incidents to the police. It’s important this information is recorded.

The Countryside Code is clear that dogs should be kept under control and away from livestock. Welsh Government, Natural Resources Wales and others remind the public of this message on social media channels, and it features strongly in our ongoing Addo campaign on enjoying the countryside responsibly. This has ensured wide reach online and in other locations such as service stations and buses.

We are working with the UK Government on a new set of provisions to address the issue of dogs attacking or worrying livestock through the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.