Take the lead

Officers said a Black Mule (pictured below) was reportedly killed on-farm by livestock worrying on the day the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 became law

Lincolnshire Police said four sheep died at the scene, and 30 additional sheep later died as a result of shock and injuries sustained during the dog attack

Can the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 deliver for farmers?

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 will come into effect on March 18 to give police greater powers to deal with livestock worrying. But it has not stopped incidents from blighting the countryside so far

Dogs have bitten visitors, owners have been verbally abusive to staff when asked to put their dog on a lead, and dogs have worried livestock

UFU has stressed that one dog attack on-farm is one too many, particularly at a time when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are at their most vulnerable

As the cost of livestock worrying increased by 10% to nearly £2m in 2025, farmers said the problem is only getting worse. Will livestock worrying ever get any better for the farming sector?

NFU Mutual has revealed that while incidents relating to livestock being injured or killed by dogs in the UK had cost farmers around £1.95 million in 2025, more than half of owners admitted to not putting dogs on a lead in the countryside

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill received Royal Assent earlier today (December 18)

Lord Colgrain, commenting on the passing of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Bill in the House of Lords, said it could be one of the best presents for farmers this Christmas