The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture and the police are to review the island’s laws on livestock worrying.
It follows strong pressure from farmers’ leaders. That intensified last week following an horrific attack that led to animals being killed.
A public consultation has also backed tougher laws.
DEFA says it will have an agreed “way forward” by spring next year.
Frustrated Farmers
The Manx National Farmers’ Union has been a fierce critic of DEFA for delaying legislation that would have updated laws on livestock worrying.
Last week, cattle and sheep were killed in a dog attack.
The NFU said DEFA had “not acted” to progress the updated livestock protection laws that may have prevented such an incident.
It said it was told last year the proposed law would not progress because of a legislation backlog.
Review
Now DEFA says there will be a review of the laws.
Department member Peter Shimmin said: “Livestock worrying can have devastating consequences for animals.
“It can also cause significant financial and emotional distress for farmers, highlighted in recent weeks.”
He added: “The consultation has sent a clear message that people want us to look seriously at whether our current laws are good enough.
“We now need to consider carefully what changes would work best for our island. Livestock must be properly protected, and any new measures must be proportionate and fair to responsible dog owners.”
Current Law Not Strong Enough
Nearly 250 people responded to the summer consultation, DEFA says, with 87% believing the current Manx law is not strong enough.
More than three quarters said the current maximum penalty was too low and 82% supported significant changes.
DEFA and the police will now review the Dogs Act 1990, which they say is the main law on livestock worrying.
After the review, DEFA says it will draw up proposals for “legislative change”. It says it will “consider the options and agree the way forward by spring 2027”.
Police Warning
Dog owners are being warned to keep their pets under proper control around livestock.
Superintendent Danny Rotchell said: “The constabulary continues to see incidents of livestock worrying offences, with animals being killed or seriously injured by dogs.
“We continue to stress the importance of dog owners ensuring they always maintain control and responsibility for their animals, and to be mindful that livestock worrying is an offence.”
Anyone who sees livestock worrying should report it to the police on 01624 631212.
