Your data on MRCVSonline
The nature of the services provided by Vision Media means that we might obtain certain information about you.
Please read our Data Protection and Privacy Policy for details.

In addition, (with your consent) some parts of our website may store a 'cookie' in your browser for the purposes of
functionality or performance monitoring.
Click here to manage your settings.
If you would like to forward this story on to a friend, simply fill in the form below and click send.

Your friend's email:
Your email:
Your name:
 
 
Send Cancel

Government backs bill to update livestock worrying legislation
The bill will increase the number of species covered by livestock worrying legislation.
Alpacas and llamas to be added to the list of species covered by law.

The government has backed a Private Members’ Bill to amend the legislation around livestock worrying, meaning the bill is now likely to become law.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill, sponsored by Thérèse Coffey, will give the police greater powers and expand the range of animals and locations covered by livestock worrying rules.

Under the amended legislation, the police will have more powers to collect evidence samples from livestock and dogs, including being authorised to enter and search premises. They will also be able to seize and detain dogs after serious incidents.

Alpacas and llamas will be added to the list of animals covered by the legislation. The bill will also expand the places where the law can be enforced to include roads and paths.

The changes will update the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, which defines livestock worrying as a dog attacking or chasing livestock or being at large in a field or enclosure containing sheep, and will apply to England and Wales. Since the act was created, the amount of livestock in England and Wales has doubled.

Measures to tackle livestock worrying had previously been part of the government’s own Kept Animals Bill, which was dropped by ministers last year despite widespread support from animal welfare and veterinary organisations.

Farming minister Mark Spencer said: “Livestock worrying has a devastating impact, causing distress to farmers and their animals, as well as the financial implications.
 
“This bill will crack down on this issue, widening the scope to protect more farm animals covered by law and giving police more powers to act. We will do all we can to support its swift passage through Parliament.”

Image © Shutterstock

Become a member or log in to add this story to your CPD history

Antibiotic Amnesty survey opens

News Story 1
 The Responsible Use of Medicines Alliance - Companion Animal and Equine (RUMA - CA&E) has launched a survey which seeks to measure the success of this year's Antibiotic Amnesty campaign.

Its results will help the group to calculate how many unused or out-of-date antibiotics were returned as part of the campaign throughout November. Practices are also asked how they engaged with clients to raise awareness of the issue.

Participating practices can enter a prize draw to win up to 100 in vouchers for taking part. Further prizes from BSAVA and Webinar Vet will be available for practices with the best input.

The survey takes a few minutes to complete and will be running throughout December. It can be accessed via this link

Click here for more...
News Shorts
Bluetongue cases lead to restricted zone extension

Following the detection of new cases of bluetongue virus serotype 3 (BTV-3), the restricted zone has been extended to include additional parts of Hampshire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire and North Yorkshire, as well as Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and part of Dorset.

The zone now covers 28 counties and unitary authorities in England. As of 16 December, 185 cases of BTV-3 have been confirmed in England and Wales during the current vector period.

Bluetongue is a notifiable disease. Suspected cases must be reported on 03000 200 301 in England or 03003 038 268 in Wales. In Scotland, suspected cases should be reported to the local field services office. Suspected cases in Northern Ireland should be reported to the DAERA Helpline on 0300 200 7840 or by contacting the local DAERA Direct Veterinary Office.

A map of the area where movement restrictions apply can be found here.