Bridport: Farmer calls for change after pregnant Highland cow dies following dog attack
A farmer is calling for 'Galdis' Law' after his Highland cow was attacked by dogs.
Cameron Farquharson is campaigning for change in the law to protect livestock from dog attacks following the tragic death of Gladis, his pregnant Highland cow, and her unborn calf on May 27.
Gladis had been grazing at Eggardon Hill near Bridport when she was chased off one of the hill fort's 30-foot ramparts in a suspected dog attack on the evening of May 26.
Mr Farquharson said: "This attack should never have happened. An act of complete negligence by someone has left this beautiful and much-loved animal and her unborn calf dead and both my family and I are utterly devastated."
The incident wasn't reported at the time and Gladis wasn't found until the next day. The discovery was incredibly distressing for Mr Farquharson and his family.
He added: "Had I been informed at the time, Gladis might not have languished all night in serious injury, pain and distress, and we might have been able to save her and her unborn calf.
"Sadly, this is not an isolated case. Farmers are not feeling supported by the Government or the police on these matters and until they are, they'll keep on happening. If we report these incidents to the police, they can investigate, and the figures will get added to the stats, but there's not often a resolution, especially when the owners haven't come forward."
A proposed change in law is being supported by West Dorset MP Chris Loder, who pushed through parliament the Animal Welfare Sentencing Act, and is also campaigning to end live animal exports.
To support Gladis' Law, Mr Farquharson is calling all farmers to come forward with their own stories and to pledge their support for the bill by emailing [email protected]
Mr Farquharson said: "We've been overwhelmed by the tremendous support from the public on social media and it means a lot to me and my family.
"What we need now is the farming community to speak up and help us protect our livestock from dog attacks."
To support Gladis' Law, email [email protected]
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