MPs and Peers met recently to hear about the scourge of dog attacks on livestock, and what is being done to address the problem.

Earlier this year Sheep Watch released a report which estimated that 15,000 sheep were killed each year across the uk, alongside hundreds of dogs.

The MPs and Peers heard how police, farming, rural and dog organisations are working together nationally to tackle the issue of dogs attacking sheep.

Defra’s Animal Health and Welfare Board for England (AHWBE) recently brought together policy experts in the area, and as a result five forces are now working together through the Police Chief's Council (NPCC) on the issue.

Police forces taking part are North Wales Police, North Yorkshire, Devon and Cornwall, Hertfordshire and Sussex.

During the meeting MPs and Peers heard how these forces are looking at their current methods of reporting and recording this crime, and how SheepWatch UK launched a new advice website.

Terena Plowright, from SheepWatch UK, said: “Hundreds of frustrated farmers from across the UK sent in reports about dog attacks to SheepWatch.

"This has prompted the police to get involved and investigate the number of sheep worrying incidents that pass through their system.

"It just shows that community efforts work and with the help of farmers, we gathered the evidence to show that there is a serious problem and what is needed for the Police response.

"We now need every incident reported, however small, and our new guide shows farmers how to do this.”

Dave Jones, Chief Constable of North Yorkshire Police, said: “Our experience of dealing with dog attacks suggests that there are some areas of the current legislation that could be improved.

"For example, the definition of livestock doesn’t cover all

the types of animals that we know can be affected.

"In some cases, the police can’t legally seize a dog that has been involved in an attack, which makes it difficult to prevent the same thing happening again.

"And whilst livestock damage can be extremely costly for the animals’ owner, the maximum fine under law is relatively low and can be disproportionate to the loss.

"We believe that there may be scope for the law to be tightened up, but we need hard evidence to confirm it. "Through the initiative we have launched this week, five rural forces will start to gather more details about dog

attacks on livestock so that, if the evidence supports it, we can present a clear case for a change in the law.”

Dave Allen, Constable from North Wales Police, said: "We are proud to be able to share our experience and knowledge with other police forces, each of their areas has a different unique situation and by looking at different solutions we will discover options for tackling this across the country.

"We are also keen to record where the law is underused or needs updating."

Professor Tim Morris from the AHWBE said: “This is a longstanding and serious problem, and Defra and its AHWBE have been working with police, farming, rural and dog organisations nationally to clarify existing legislation, including the recent changes to the law that targets anti-social behaviour.

"If evidence collected by the Police then shows the laws needs updating, we must be open to that, but we should use want we have now, and use it better.

"The Police service have recognised they can do more, now farmers must report all incidents to the Police, and dog walkers on the ground must take collective responsibility to prevent attacks, and understand the serious consequences for livestock, themselves and their pets if they do not.”