Written question WQ86759
- Asked by
- Andrew RT DaviesConservative
- To be answered by
- Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
- Tabled
- Due
- Answered
- Time to answer
- 10 days
Question
What is the Welsh Government doing to educate dog walkers on the dangers of sheep worrying?
Declared interest
Answer
Answered by Minister for Rural Affairs and North Wales, and Trefnydd
We take the issue of dog attacks on livestock very seriously. The costs, financially and emotionally, for those who own or find dead and injured livestock are wholly unacceptable, as are the animal welfare implications. Our Code of Practice for the Welfare of Dogs informs owners of their obligations relating to controlling their dogs and the governing pieces of legislation, of which there are many. We are working with the UK Government on introducing further safeguards through the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill.
The Countryside Code, published by Natural Resources Wales, also provides clear guidance on the responsibility of dog owners to keep their dogs under effective control. Dogs should be kept on a lead or in sight at all times and owners should be confident their dogs will return on command.