Tynwald has received plans to see a consultation on new legislation to prevent sheep worrying.
The consultation is part of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s plan for the year ahead.
There have been countless cases of sheep worrying over the past year, with many sheep left dead.
However, there has been no powerful legislation in place to prevent this or prosecute dog owners.
DEFA’s Objectives
DEFA’s plan sets out detailed departmental objectives across food and farming, environmental protection, climate change, forestry and planning.
The focus areas are:
- Energy Security – further developing future energy generation, progressing offshore wind legislation, and launching a new home energy efficiency scheme.
- UNESCO Biosphere – submitting the Island’s periodic review and developing a new 10-year strategy.
- Strong Agriculture – delivering the Agricultural Strategy to strengthen and modernise the farming sector, and consulting on new legislation to prevent sheep worrying.
- Food Security – ensuring reliable access to nutritious food through the Food Security Plan.
- Environmental Protection – strengthening policies and legislation to safeguard the natural environment.
Department Plan
Clare Barber, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: “I am proud to bring forward the Department plan, which we believe is deliverable in the last year of this administration. We are committed to delivering the best outcomes for our communities, environment and economy.
“This plan sets out how we will support energy security, food resilience and sustainable agriculture while protecting what is special about our island. It also reflects the hard work of our teams and partners, who share a passion for ensuring the Isle of Man thrives as a UNESCO Biosphere and as a place where people and nature live in balance.”
