THE campaign for a change in the law to keep dogs on leads around livestock is closer to achieving its goal.

The second reading of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill will take place in the House of Commons on Monday, October 25.

The campaign which inspired the bill, Gladis' Law, was started by farmer Cameron Farquharson following the death of his four-year-old pregnant Highland cow, Gladis, and her unborn calf.

Gladis was chased by a dog off one of a hill fort rampart at Eggardon Hill farm near Bridport and fell more than 30 feet.

After starting the campaign, Mr Farquharson has received a groundswell of support from farmers and animal lovers across the country, who wanted to see the bill passed.

With the backing of West Dorset MP Chris Loder and Farming Minister Victoria Prentis, the Gladis’ Law Campaign has been successful in driving livestock worrying to the forefront of upcoming legislation.

Under the proposed changes, dog walkers will face criminal prosecution if their dog chases any livestock to the point of causing harm or abortion and will also be prosecuted if their dogs is off their lead or out of control in a field of sheep, poultry, or enclosed game birds.

Mr Farquharson said: "The support and coverage we’re getting now is phenomenal. It's all systems go and we're gaining so much support from people who are sorry to hear about what happened.

"Our social media is going mad, nearly 10 million people have responded to the content we've been putting out.

"As much as I'd love her to still be with us, through her death Gladis is going to help so many people and animals.

"The problem is, these incidents are still happening, particularly in the Dorset area where its happening weekly. It just shows why we need to campaign for this."

He added: "We'll be watching with bated breath to see if it goes through."

To sign the petition to support the Gladis Law campaign, visit www.gladis-law.com