West Dorset MP backs more bills to support animal welfare
Chris Loder's campaigning to prevent livestock worrying and pet abduction
West Dorset's MP has given his support to two further bills in Parliament, aimed at improving animal welfare.
Chris Loder's been leading a campaign for changes to the law, to tackle livestock worrying.
That's now had a second reading at Westminster, with the legislation aiming to tighten up what constitutes and offence, and increasing powers for investigation.
Mr Loder has spoken publicly of the need ‘for action against the suffering of animals as a result of careless or negligent dog owners’:
“I’ve spearheaded the campaign to ensure livestock worrying is tackled through legislation. I’m pleased that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock - Amendment) Bill is making its way through Parliament, and I’m glad to have supported the former Environment Secretary, Dr Thérèse Coffey MP, with the introduction of this legislation.
“It’s a personal campaign of mine to ensure animals are protected from careless or negligent dog owners. In West Dorset, Gladis, the heavily pregnant Highland cow, fell 40-feet to her death after being chased by two off-lead dogs at Eggardon Hill. I’ve worked closely with Cameron Farquharson, Gladis’ owner, to ensure we protect against these mindless offences.”
Speaking about the Bill, Farming Minister, Mark Spencer said:
“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.”
Chris Loder has also been supporting the Pet Abduction Bill in Parliament, which aims to make it a specific offence.
The legislation will also address the growing problem of pet theft.
The West Dorset MP said:
“As a passionate campaigner for animal welfare, I’m delighted to support the Pet Abduction Bill. Currently, there is little to deter criminals who would seek to profit from the sale of a stolen pet. It’s immoral and simply unacceptable that the theft of a pet cat or dog is treated no more several than that of a mobile phone.
“The legislation will enable better tracking and data collection on pet abduction cases; this will provide local authorities and law enforcement with insights into the scale of the problem. I’ll continue to support the passage of the Pet Abduction Bill through Parliament.”