Livestock worrying laws to be reviewed 

 The review will look at how any changes could be made practical, fair and enforceable

Livestock worrying laws will be reviewed in the coming months after a public consultation showed strong support for change.

Just under 250 people responded to this summer's consultation that showed 87% believed the current Manx law is not strong enough and 82% supported changes to the law. 

More than three quarters (76%) said the current £5,000 maximum penalty is too low.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture police are to review the Dogs Act 1990, the main law on livestock worrying looking at which changes could be made practical, fair and enforceable

A revised law came into force in England and Wales in March and owners now face unlimited fines if convicted of their dog attacking livestock on farmland or surrounding footpaths and roads. 

Peter Shimmin MHK, Political Member for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: "Livestock worrying can have devastating consequences for animals. It can also cause significant financial and emotional distress for farmers, highlighted in recent weeks.

"The consultation has sent a clear message that people want us to look seriously at whether our current laws are good enough. We now need to consider carefully what changes would work best for our Island. Livestock must be properly protected, and any new measures must be proportionate and fair to responsible dog owners."

In the meantime, dog owners are strongly urged to keep their pets under proper control around livestock.

Superintendent Danny Rotchell added: "The constabulary continues to see incidents of livestock worrying offences, with animals being killed or seriously injured by dogs. 

"We continue to stress the importance of dog owners ensuring they always maintain control and responsibility for their animals, and to be mindful that livestock worrying is an offence."