Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston has welcomed new legislation that will provide greater protection to farm animals at risk from attacks from dogs.
Mr Halcro Johnston, the Shadow Cabinet Secretary for the Rural Economy, gave his support in a speech delivered during the final stage reading of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Bill earlier today.
Speaking later he said: “I am very pleased that one of the final acts of the Scottish Parliament before it dissolves for the election campaign has been to extend greater protection to our farmers and crofters who all too often are left dealing with the distressing aftermath of attacks on their livestock by out-of-control dogs."
“As well as having to deal with badly injured animals, they are all too often left picking up the tab for vet bills and, sometimes, for the loss of valuable stock. We owe a lot to those who work on the land; they put food on our plates, and they act as unpaid custodians of the countryside which we all benefit from."
“They deserve our support and I am pleased that this measure – and my own amendment to cover grazing land - should provide a little more help on what has been an issue for too long.”
