A NORTH Wales policing team has been pushing for an updated law to combat attacks on livestock.

The Leader reported in December of 2018 and 2019 on Freedom of Information data obtained from North Wales Police on livestock attacks.

Data showed that hundreds of animals, particularly sheep, have been killed in Wrexham and Flintshire over recent years after being chased and attacked by dogs.

North Wales Police rural crime team manager Rob Taylor said the issue continues to be a problem across the region.

He said: "Dog attacks on livestock is a constant, across the board.

"We have even got to the point now where we have been working for five or six years on a private members bill to update the law because we feel it is inadequate.

"The draft bill has been prepared and it is currently under scrutiny."

Mr Taylor said the current law relating to livestock attacks is more than 65 years old and "isn't fit for 2020."

The Farmers' Union of Wales has been working with North Wales Police on the matter.

A spokesman said: "Avoidable losses, such as those that occur when a dog chases or attacks livestock, remain a significant source of frustration for the livestock sector in Wales.

"Industry initiatives, such as the FUW campaign “Your dog, Your responsibility” which widened the message to respecting the countryside, picking up after your dog, keeping dogs on a lead near livestock and making sure dogs don’t escape from home, have had some impact.

"The number of dog attacks on livestock has shown a decline in recent months; however whether this trend will continue in the longer term remains to be seen and localised reports of attacks continue.

"The pandemic has delayed the legislative process, however the FUW continues to press for legislative changes including the mandatory recording of dog attacks on livestock by all police forces, an increase in the current maximum fine of one thousand pounds, full compensation for farmers and the ability for police forces to obtain DNA samples from suspect dogs.

"The FUW recognises that there is no one ‘quick fix’ to this issue, and that a mixture of education, campaigning and legislative changes are needed.

"As part of our work in this area, we will continue to lobby for real changes to be made to current legislation in order to provide a better deterrent to irresponsible dog ownership and to ensure that the penalties fit the seriousness of the crime."