The Protection of Livestock (Amendment) (Scotland) Bill would increase the penalties for dog-owners whose pets chase, attack or kill farmed animals.

Figures from Police Scotland show that, between April 2019 and March 2020, 265 incidents were reported and there is evidence to suggest that many incidents go unreported.

Emma Harper MSP, who introduced the bill, said: “Following the report by the Parliament’s Rural Economy and Connectivity Committee and after meeting with the minister, I have agreed to a number of amendments to the Bill which will be taken forward at Stage 2 in February.”

“These include a technical amendment to include an affirmative procedure for regulations regarding the definition of livestock, increasing the maximum available penalty to 12 months imprisonment or a fine of £40,000, or both, which will be taken forward by the Scottish government, removing provisions authorising inspecting bodies other than the police to carry out investigation, and finally, removing the power for entry to non-domestic premises without a warrant.”

Emma Steel, a policy adviser at Scottish Land and Estates, said: “We are supportive of tougher efforts to tackle livestock attacks and even within this draft legislation there are elements we would like to see strengthened, such as increasing the penalties for those found guilty of an offence.”