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in subsection (2), paragraph (a) is repealed,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