There is a growing problem of dog attacks on livestock in Wales, there have been several serious cases over recent months.

I know my Plaid Cymru colleague councillor Elwyn Vaughan has been having discussions with farmers about dog attacks killing sheep in the Dyfi Valley.

While the Scottish Government has more of the powers, they need to tackle the problem, here in Wales we are at the mercy of the Westminster Government to take action to protect livestock.

Once again, the Conservative Westminster Government refuses to take action to improve matters in Wales, such as allowing the police to take DNA samples of dogs suspected of the attacks, the right to confiscate dogs in some cases, increasing fines on dog owners and compensation for livestock owners for their losses.

Plaid Cymru called in the Senedd on Tuesday for us here in Wales to have the powers to address this serious issue because Westminster fails to act.

North Wales Police Force figures show that 89 per cent of all dog attacks on livestock happen when they stray from home. There is little that can be done legally to ensure that the dog involved is prevented from reoffending.

Dyfed Powys Police and Crime Commissioner Dafydd Llywelyn is calling for reform of the Livestock Worrying Act 1953 to ensure support for victims of livestock worrying and improve policing in this area.

Another issue that has been in the news recently is the incidences of dog theft in Wales. Dog theft is not devolved but members of the Senedd were told that officials across the UK are working together to develop proposals to tackle pet theft.

I have asked a written question about the failure of the Welsh Government to pay compensation payments for landowners and others affected by the construction of the Newtown by-pass two years ago.

The by-pass was opened two years ago – hopefully, we will get some answers.

As this is my last column before the election, I would like to thank the readers of Powys County Times as someone brought up in Montgomeryshire it has been a pleasure to serve you as your regional Member of the Senedd.

I would encourage everyone to vote for Wales in May.

The Senedd; the Police and Crime Commissioner elections are our chance to create a brighter future and I hope you will consider Plaid Cymru when you cast your vote.