Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: "Farmers can now have greater peace of mind knowing that proper penalties are in place for people who carelessly let their dogs worry livestock. Dog attacks have devastating consequences and this new law reflects the Government's strong commitment to our farmers and animal welfare."
New legislation in England and Wales to tackle the problem of livestock worrying on farms has now come into effect which the Government said could provide farmers and livestock with stronger protections from dog attacks in the future.
Livestock worrying occurs when a dog chases, attacks, or causes distress to livestock on agricultural land.
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Dogs do not need to make contact for harm to occur, as the fear and stress alone can harm livestock and, in severe cases, cause them to die.
On Wednesday (March 18), the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 came into force to update the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.
But what exactly has changed?
According to the Government, the law now strengthens the tools available to police and the courts so they can respond more effectively when incidents occur and could save farm businesses £6,000 to replace livestock.
READ NOW: Recent livestock worrying incidents a reminder of need to strengthen legislation
While emphasising that the change to the law is not about restricting dog walking in rural communities, Defra said it is about making sure people can continue to enjoy the countryside while keeping livestock safe, protecting animal welfare and supporting the work farmers do every day.
How the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 updates the 1953 Act:
- Worded so that attacking livestock is treated separately from worrying livestock. This reframing helps make the violent nature of livestock attacks much clearer. It does not create a new offence as both behaviours are already covered in the 1953 act, but it does make the distinction explicit
- Extends the law to cover livestock worrying and attacks that take place on roads and paths
- Includes camelids (as llamas and alpacas are commonly farmed)
- Introduces a new defence for dog owners to exempt them from liability where the dog was in the charge of another person at the time of the offence without the owner's consent, for instance if the dog was stolen
- Introduces new powers allowing a court to order an offender to pay expenses associated with seizing and detaining a dog
- Provides a clear deterrent by increasing the penalty from a fine of up to £1,000 to an unlimited fine
In addition, the law gives police new and improved powers, including:
- The power to seize and detain a dog where they have reasonable grounds to believe there is a risk that the dog could attack or worry livestock again. The dog can be detained until an investigation has been carried out or, if proceedings are brought for an offence, until those proceedings have been determined or withdrawn
- The power to take samples and impressions from a dog or livestock where the police have reasonable grounds to believe the dog has attacked or worried the livestock, and that a sample or impression might provide evidence of an offence. The sample or impression could then be used as evidence to support a prosecution
- The powers to enter and search premises to identify, seize and detain a dog for the prevention of future incidents, to collect samples or impressions, or seize any other evidence
What the new legislation means for farmers:
- If livestock worrying or an attack happens, report it to the police. Keep hold of any evidence. Record dates and times and take photos or videos if you can. It may not always be possible, but collecting witness details is useful
- It may be helpful to check whether signs, fencing, dog-control advice or public footpath management needs to be updated
What the new legislation means for dog owners:
- Responsible access to the countryside is encouraged. Be aware of your surroundings when walking near livestock
- A dog does not need to make physical contact with animals to commit an offence under the new law. Chasing or disturbing livestock can cause harm
- The Countryside Code advises that dogs should be kept on a lead around livestock. Always check local signs, as some areas require dogs to be on a lead all or part of the year
Defra said the new legislation hopes to prevent the emotional and financial strain placed on farming communities when attacks occur, as well as avoiding livestock death and injury.
Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said incidents can unfold in moments, they leave lasting damage, harm businesses, affect livelihoods and cause considerable stress in rural communities, and added that new legislation will strengthen powers to address the problem.
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"Farmers can now have greater peace of mind knowing that proper penalties are in place for people who carelessly let their dogs worry livestock," Dame Angela added.
"Dog attacks have devastating consequences and this new law reflects the Government's strong commitment to our farmers and animal welfare."
The Government said farmers should report, record and retain any information or evidence relating to a livestock worrying incident where available, and share it with the police.
READ NOW: Long overdue livestock worrying Bill finally becomes law
