Alicia Kearns MP has successfully campaigned for new powers to tackle livestock worrying.

On 2 February, the Government has supported Dr Thérèse Coffey's Private Members' Bill to introduce tougher powers to tackle livestock worrying.

Under the 'Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill' - a Private Members' Bill sponsored by ten Conservative Members of Parliament, of which Rutland and Melton MP Alicia Kearns is one - the police will be given greater powers to respond to livestock worrying incidents more effectively. This will make it easier for the police to collect evidence and, in the most serious cases, seize and detain dogs to reduce the risk of further attacks.

The Bill would modernise existing legislation to ensure it remains fit for purpose, including extending the livestock definition to include alpacas and llamas and widening locations where enforcement can be taken to roads and paths.

The Bill will also give the police more powers to seize dogs after serious incidents and greater powers of entry, in addition to the power to take evidence samples from livestock and dogs to help investigate these crimes.

Since the original 1953 Act was brought in, the number of livestock in England and Wales has doubled with more people visiting the countryside.

The Government's backing of the Bill builds on a pledge made in its Action Plan for Animal Welfare.

Alicia Kearns, Member of Parliament for Rutland and Melton, said: "I have campaigned relentlessly for the urgent introduction of a livestock worrying law to put an end to the devastating financial and emotional damage it causes for our farmers.

"I have supported this Bill from the outset, and I am relieved that the Government has recognised the need for tougher powers to crackdown on this distressing offence."

Mark Spencer, Farming Minister Mark, added: "Livestock worrying has a devastating impact, causing distress to farmers and their animals, as well as the financial implications.

"This Bill will crack down on this issue, widening the scope to protect more farm animals covered by law and giving police more powers to act. We will do all we can to support its swift passage through Parliament."

Dr Thérèse Coffey, Member of Parliament for Suffolk Coastal, said: "We have heard from the police that they need more up to date powers to help them identify the dogs that are attacking and worrying livestock, and subsequently their owners. It is great to get out and enjoy nature, but dog owners should be careful and ideally put their dogs on a lead when on or near a working farm to avoid such attacks."