Introduction

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill (“the Bill”) was introduced in the House of Commons on 21 October 2024. The Bill is a Private Member’s Bill, introduced by Aphra Brandreth MP and is supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. The Bill makes various provisions to amend the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, including increasing penalties, expanding the definition of livestock and the locations where incidents take place, and giving police more powers of evidence collection and dog detention. These measures are intended to improve enforcement outcomes and act as a preventative for dog attacks on livestock. The Bill completed its passage through the House of Commons on 4 July 2025 and received its Second Reading in the House of Lords on 5 September 2025.

Legislative consent is required as the Bill makes provision with regard to devolved matters in so far as it applies to Wales, notably, animal health and welfare. ALegislative Consent Memorandum (LCM) was laid before the Senedd on 30 May 2025. On 19 September 2025, the Legislation, Justice and Constitution Committee (LJCC) agreed its report on the LCM. The Report contained a single conclusion and two recommendations.   

With thanks to the members of the LJCC for their report on the Bill, I have set out my response to the Report’s individual conclusion and recommendations below.

Responses to recommendations

Conclusion 1. The Committee concludes:

“We agree with the Welsh Government’s assessment of the provisions within the Bill as set out in the Memorandum that require the consent of the Senedd in accordance with Standing Order 29.”

Response: The Welsh Government notes this conclusion.

Recommendation 1. The Committee recommends:

“The Cabinet Secretary should state whether the Welsh Government agrees with the UK Government’s position and considers that reserved matters are engaged to an extent that prevents the Senedd from making this legislation.”

Response: The UK Government is of the view that the Bill does not require a legislative consent motion of Senedd Cymru on the basis that all Bill provisions relate to the matter of dangerous dogs and dogs dangerously out of control which is a reserved matter in accordance with Paragraph 44, Section B6, of Schedule 7A to the Government of Wales Act 2006. However, it is our view that consent is required for the provisions of the Bill as they make provision with regard to devolved matters insofar as they apply to Wales, notably animal welfare and agriculture, the purpose of the provisions being to protect livestock from harm.

Financial Implications: None

Recommendation 2. The Committee recommends:

“Subject to recommendation 1, the Cabinet Secretary should state the reserved matters which it is considered prevent the Senedd from making this legislation.”

Response: See response to recommendation 1.

Financial Implications: None