Emma Harper MSP has said the huge response to the public consultation on her proposed Protection of Livestock Bill – which has now received over 500 responses – demonstrates the “strength of feeling among those affected by livestock attacks”.
With incidents of dogs attacking livestock, most commonly sheep, more than doubling in the past ten years, the South Scotland MSP launched her Members’ Bill consultation in February to seek changes in the law to promote responsible behaviour from dog owners, and to deter people from allowing their dogs to roam freely near livestock.
Within 24 hours of the launch 86 people had taken part in the consultation – more than many Members’ Bill consultations receive in total after 12 weeks – and now at the halfway stage, with the consultation set to close on 15 May, responses have now edged past the 500 mark.
Commenting on the response, Ms. Harper said:
“It’s absolutely fantastic to receive more than 500 responses to this consultation so far and it really shows the strength of feeling among those affected by livestock attacks.
“This consultation is so important because I don’t want to see animals attacked in the countryside by dogs that are either off lead or ‘latch-key’ dogs. Livestock attacks, also known as ‘livestock worrying’, can be devastating financially and emotionally for the farmer involved and is a very serious animal welfare issue.
“I want to make sure that we can best support our farmers in Scotland and to promote the message that a farmer’s field is their factory floor, and while we want dog owners to enjoy Scotland’s beautiful countryside we ask that they do it responsibly.
“Thank you to everyone who has fed into this consultation already and I would ask anyone who hasn’t to ensure they do so by the 15th May deadline.”
ENDS
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