The Welsh Government has worked in partnership with pet charity
Blue Cross and the police in Wales to tackle dog attacks on
livestock.
Dog attacks on livestock are incredibly distressing and we want
to make sure we do all we can to tackle it.
From September, a new course by the leading animal charity
introduces a behaviour around livestock module to its existing
responsible dog ownership course.
The course aims to educate owners and help reduce instances of
dog attacks on livestock.
It will be made available to police across Wales for dog owners
involved in a livestock attack.
The Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs,
, met with a farmer whose livestock was
recently attacked by dogs: “Dog attacks on livestock is a
significant and incredibly distressing issue and we want to
assure farmers that we're taking this issue seriously.
“Meeting with someone who has been a victim of this type of crime
has given me the opportunity to discuss the issue in some depth
directly with the communities affected.
“We take these attacks very seriously and we want people to take
responsibility for their pet's behaviour whether they live or
walk near farmlands.”
Adapting and implementing the course has been championed by Rob
Taylor, Wales' Wildlife and Rural Crime Coordinator.
The post aims to strengthen the response to Wildlife and Rural
Crime across the country and funding has been secured to extend
the contract for a further four years.
Rob Taylor said: “As the UK Police lead for preventing livestock
attacks by dogs, I see far too often the devastating impact, not
only to the animals, but the farmer and the dog owners alike,
both financially and emotionally.
“This is a difficult problem to tackle but as well as much needed
law changes, we see an awareness course to educate irresponsible
dog owners as vital to moving forward and reducing the number of
offences.
“I also welcome the extension of the rural coordinator post here
in Wales, enabling me to build on the strong foundations and
proactivity we have already seen with our partners, through the
Wales Wildlife and Rural Crime Strategy."
Kerry Taylor, Education Manager at Blue Cross, said: “Blue Cross
recognises that irresponsible dog ownership and dog control
issues can be a major problem in local communities, causing
problems for other residents and pet owners.
“Responsible dog ownership is an essential aspect of effective
dog control and has positive impacts on the dog's health and
welfare. RDOC aims to support dog owners and their dogs at a
critical point, reduce reoffending and creating safer
communities.”
The Cabinet Secretary continued: “I am grateful to the work
undertaken by Rob Taylor, the Blue Cross and our police in Wales
to facilitate the roll out of this course.
“This education resource is a welcomed and vital step to
addressing an issue that deeply affects our farming communities.”
ENDS
Notes to editors
- Dogs should be kept under control and in sight at all times
and owners should be confident their dogs will return on command.
The Countryside Code
states, On Open Access land and at the coast, you must put your
dog on a lead between 1 March and 31 July, you must have your
dog on a lead on Open Access land, even if you can't see any
livestock, this is a legal requirement.
- Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick,
injured and homeless pets since 1897.
- Every month they help thousands of pets and their people by
providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and find
homeless pets loving families.
- They also offer education for future generations plus pet
bereavement support for those who have lost their beloved pet
companion.
