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Sheep-Worrying

Volume 498: debated on Thursday 3 April 1952

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45.

asked the Minister of Agriculture what further talks he has now had on the question of sheep-worrying by dogs; and what new proposals he has to try to secure better control of dogs in the countryside and to ensure that the existing law is more strictly enforced and, if possible, improved.

The Joint Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Agriculture
(Mr. G. R. H. Nugent)

My right hon. and gallant Friend has had talks with the representatives of the animal welfare societies concerned. The conclusions will be announced as soon as possible.

Is the Minister aware that while there is obviously no easy solution to this problem, there is very little understanding by the general public of the great damage which has been done? In 1951 nearly 11,000 sheep were killed or injured by stray dogs, and the figures are going up steadily year by year. Will the hon. Gentleman give an assurance that his right hon. Friend will look at this matter with the greatest sympathy to see what can be done?

My right hon. and gallant Friend is well aware of the gravity of the problem. That is why he is taking this step, and he hopes to get some useful result.

Why is it that this problem has developed so recently? It did not exist to such a serious extent before the war.

Is my hon. Friend aware that some farmers are being driven out of sheep rearing by the gravity of this menace from dogs, and does he realise that this situation is a real threat to food production?