The head of rural crime in north Wales has called for police to be given stronger powers to tackle dog attacks on sheep. Rob Taylor wants the law to be updated to also cover animals such as alpacas and llamas, and to increase sentencing powers.
According to figures from the North Wales team, more than 2,000 sheep have been killed in nearly 500 dog attacks since 2013. Taylor said the current sentencing powers 'do not reflect the true accuracy of the loss to the farmer and the offence involved'. He also called for powers to seize dogs and impose banning orders on owners.
The call for a new Protection of Livestock Act is supported by the NFU and the Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW). Iestyn Pritchard of NFU Cymru said the problem is worsening, with cases rising from around 100 in 2013 to 'closer to about 1,000' per year.
Pritchard highlighted the financial and emotional toll on farmers, noting that dealing with dead or severely injured sheep adds stress to running a business. He also pointed to a growing trend of dog walkers taking two or three dogs, making it harder for farmers to control a 'pack of dogs'.
The North Wales team, along with four other UK police forces, will present their findings to Parliament at the end of the year.
