CEREDIGION MP Ben Lake has welcomed moves to strength the law in relation to livestock attacks by dogs.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock)(Amendment) Bill has taken an important step closer to becoming law, as it successfully passed the committee stage in the House of Commons.

The Bill, brought forward by MP Therese Coffey after similar provisions were dropped by the Government last year, makes changes to what constitutes an offence of livestock worrying and attacks, in addition to increasing the powers the police have to investigate attacks.

During the debate, Mr Lake – who served as one of the members of the bill committee – said: “In recent years, I have had to speak to too many farmers who have been victims of dog attacks on their livestock.

“Suffice to say, such attacks are devastating, not only for the animals concerned but for the families and the farmers.

“Many have told me that they dread looking out the window in the evening to see their livestock hurrying about in fear of a repeat attack.

“It is very important that this bill has reached this stage.”

Speaking afterwards, Mr Lake said he had worked with colleagues from all political parties since 2019 to try and secure improvements to the law.

"Dog attacks in Ceredigion in recent years have tragically underlined the urgent need for the existing law to be strengthened to ensure successful convictions and that the police have greater powers to prevent repeat attacks,” he added.

"Although the bill is far from perfect, it would make significant improvements to the law, and so I am pleased that it is now a step closer to the statute book."

The bill will now proceed to its final stages on Friday, May 17, when any final amendments can be made.