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Livestock Worrying

Asked by Jess Brown-FullerLiberal DemocratDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 20 January 2026UIN 104986

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, if she will update the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 to safeguard swans and other protected species from dogs.

Answered by Dame Angela Eagle

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 (as amended) protects “livestock” from worrying or attacks by dogs. The definition of livestock in the Act includes cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, poultry and camelids. The Government has no plans to further change this Act.

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