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in subsection (2), paragraph (a) is repealed,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