Police want to set up dog DNA database.

"Police chiefs seek new powers to help combat ‘very significant’ issue of pets worrying livestock. They are also seeking the power to raid people’s homes and confiscate dogs who repeatedly attack and worry livestock under new proposals to deal with the problem in rural areas.

A new law requiring owners to keep dogs on a fixed lead around livestock is another of the measures being recommended by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) following a joint initiative between five police forces to gather data on the issue. Police currently face a number of problems when prosecuting livestock worrying dogs, because authorities are unable to search an owner’s home for a canine that has attacked captive animals, and owners are not required to report incidents. The all-party parliamentary group for animal welfare estimates that about 15,000 sheep were killed by dogs in 2016, costing farmers £1.4m."   Full article HERE

"Police currently face a number of problems when prosecuting livestock worrying dogs, because authorities are unable to search an owner’s home for a canine that has attacked captive animals"

Mistaken Identity I believe may become a problem if police were given powers to go into people's houses, which is very worrying for us 'Pedigree Dog Owners' as our dogs look very similar within each given breed.

Something that has been very well thought out needs to be done though, and as soon as possible in order to save animals lives (protect them).

Sensible and responsible dog owners would always keep their dog on a fixed lead around livestock. I cannot understand anyone who doesnt!

> Sensible and responsible dog owners would always keep their dog on a fixed lead around livestock.

If only this were the case.  How many dog owners are really 'sensible and responsible'!!  Unfortunately those of us who do act responsibly end up paying the price for those all too many people, who don't.   And that applies to people with dogs who let them damage rental property.

Sadly those responsible won't comply & I have experience of"rogue"sheepdogs(not mine I hasten to add)gone bad. I have a "gripper"amongst my dogs, she is NEVER allowed outside off lead unless she's in in my escape proof paddock & even then she's on a long line just in case. She was in a "pet" home & allowed to chase untrained. It's a pity as she has the power to be a super worker. A friend takes her for agility & she is awesome.

It's always the dogs that pay with their lives not their stupid irresponsible owners.

A new law requiring owners to keep dogs on a fixed lead around livestock is another of the measures being recommended by the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) following a joint initiative between five police forces to gather data on the issue.

Ahh well.....we all wanna live the dream.........those who can sometimes do...

'Angel', Living The Dream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X3XYGJScZVg

'Thingy' Living Her Deams - Multiple Chase Scenes With Reliable Recalls
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e06Ck8azVc4
.

I have to ask as it’s puzzling me, what on earth is a gripper?

A sheepdog that grips the sheep without reason & too hard. More than a nip & very hard to train out

Thanks, never heard the term before.