Investigators to use DNA testing to identify dogs in livestock attacks

Warning: This article contains an image of an injured sheep

DNA testing will be used to track down dogs that have attacked livestock.

A change in the law in March has given police the power to take samples from dogs, and dog owners can receive an unlimited fine if their pets have been involved in any attacks.

Farmers are also being given testing kits as part of a project to make sure better DNA evidence is being gathered.

Insurance company NFU Mutual has estimated dogs attacking livestock in Wales cost insurers more than £300,000 last year.

Across Wales, police say there were about 300 dog attacks on farm animals last year.

Wales wildlife and rural crime coordinator Rob Taylor said 90% of attacks were resolved outside court.

"In most cases, owners are often very apologetic and are happy to pay compensation to the farmer and attend an approved online responsible dog ownership course," he said.

"The new power to take DNA is extremely useful in cases where an owner claims that it wasn't their dog involved, which assists evidentially with identification."

Dyfed-Powys Police has assigned two crime scene officers to support investigations into dog attacks.

PC Ian Nicholls, from North Wales Police Rural Crime Team, said reports of livestock attacks were "constantly coming in".

"The DNA test helps us to identify dogs, and also sends out a message that the police have got things that we can do to help investigate these crimes.

"These attacks cause farmers significant financial losses and are very distressing to farmers and to the wider public."

Researchers at Liverpool John Moores University will examine samples and draw up guidance on collecting DNA properly.

Dr Nick Dawnay said: "We're looking to improve the whole analytical pipeline from CSI - crime scene investigation - through to analysis.

"Looking longer term, we'd also like to see whether it would be possible for farmers or vets to collect DNA evidence themselves if a crime scene investigator can't get there in time."