The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) has called on local politicians to back proposals recommended by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) to tackle livestock worrying. In 2017, livestock worrying cost farmers in Norther Ireland £1.6m, according to NFU Mutual.

Last year, dog wardens in Northern Ireland investigated 106 incidences of livestock worryin. Hopwever, just two dog owners were successfully prosecuted. UFU deputy president Victor Chestnutt said that at present there is little legislation to protect farmers and their livestock.

Recommendations

The NPCC has recommended introducing a database of dog DNA to help the PSNI track dogs responsible for worrying livestock. It also recommended that police be given the power to enter homes and seize dogs involved in repeated cases of livestock worrying.

In addition, there are calls to introduce an obligation on dog owners to report attacks and for rules on owners having to take action to prevent dogs escaping from their homes.

The UFU said the absence of Stormont made progressing the issue more challenging, but it was ensuring the proposals would progress quickly when it returned.

Scotland

Chestnutt said: “Having previously raised the issue with DEARA we believe action needs to be taken here similar to what is happening in Scotland.”

In Scotland, a member of parliament, Emma Harper, is planning a Private Members Bill to tackle livestock worrying.

Chestnutt concluded by saying: “Livestock worrying is an example of irresponsible dog ownership. We want our elected representatives to get behind the UFU to make the new proposals work in parallel with The Dogs [Northern Ireland] Order 1983. All members should report incidents to the PSNI and their local dog warden.”

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