A WEST Dorset farmer campaigning for a change in the law to keep dogs on leads around livestock is one step closer to achieving his goal.

A new law that would give farm animals better protection, the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill, has passed its first reading in the House of Commons.

It comes as the farmer who started the Gladis Law campaign invites people to his farm to meet his cows.

Cameron Farquharson of Eggardon Hill farm near Bridport started the campaign 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 the hill fort’s ramparts - falling more than 30 feet.

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. Many stages remain in the path of the Animal Welfare (Kept Animals) Bill until royal assent is given and the bill becomes law.

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 and the Gladis Law team will also be setting up a charity, inspired by Gladis.

Mr Farquharson said: “We’re over the moon with the result, but we’re not counting our chickens until the dotted line is signed.

“We’ve been overwhelmed with donations from people all over the country, we’ve now had over £40,000 donated which is just incredible. We want to create a charity in Gladis’s name where these funds will go to help and support farming families who are struggling.

"We also want to open our gates and allow people to spend time with our fold at Eggardon Hill and stay at Redlands Coppice. The support from others really helped my family get through these difficult months, and it’s important for us that we can do the same for others when they need that support.”

Amongst the wealth of support Mr Farquharson has received for the campaign, many people contacted him asking if they could come to the farm and spend time with his cows.

As a result of these requests, from Friday, September 17 to Sunday, September 19, people will be able to visit the farm and adopt a Highland cow.

The weekend would consist of a dinner at Redlands Coppice - where Mr Farquharson is also the farmer - made by the man himself, who just happens to be a three rosette chef and a day with the Highland cows and Eggardon Hill, before returning to Redlands Coppice to meet the nine newest cows to the farm and the man who gifted them, Stan Sadler.

The price of the weekend is £400 per couple and all profits go to farming charities.

To support the campaign visit www.gladis-law.com and add your signature to the group's petition to keep dogs on leads around livestock.