1Offence under section 1 of the 1953 Act: name, definition and penalty

(1)

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 (“the 1953 Act”) is amended as follows.

(2)

The title of section 1 becomes “ Offence where dog attacks or worries livestock on agricultural land ”.

(3)

In that section—

(a)

in subsection (1), after “a dog” insert “ attacks or ”,

(b)

in subsection (2), paragraph (a) is repealed,

(c)

in paragraph (b) of subsection (2A)—

(i)

after “guide dog” insert “ or other assistance dog ”,

(ii)

after “hunt” insert “ , but only if and to the extent that the dog is performing the role in question ”,

(d)

in subsection (4)—

(i)

before “worrying” insert “ attacking or ”,

(ii)

before “worried” insert “ attacked or ”,

(e)

in subsection (6), for paragraphs (a) and (b) substitute—

“(a)

to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 12 months;

(b)

to a fine not exceeding £40,000; or

(c)

both.”.

(4)

In subsection (2) of section 2, before “worrying” insert “ attacking or ”.

(5)

The modification made by subsection (3)(e) applies only to offences committed on or after the date on which the modification comes into force.