Kidwelly, Burry Port, Five Roads, and Ponthenri Police said: "This is not just a threat to a farmer or land owner’s livelihood, it is also a dangerous situation for the animals involved, and could lead to more risk if the animals get onto the road."
A Black Mule has been killed in a suspected sheep worrying incident after the sector's long-awaited victory to strengthen protections for farmers when dogs attack livestock.
Kidwelly, Burry Port, Five Roads, and Ponthenri Police said the incident took place at a farm in the Felinfoel area of Llanelli sometime between March 17 and 18.
LISTEN NOW:
One Black Mule was killed during the incident, while several more grazing sheep were also worried, according to police.
On March 18, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 came into effect to update previous legislation which was first introduced as the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.
Former Defra Secretary Therese Coffey had attempted to change the more than 70 year-old law in 2024 which failed to pass due to the General Election.
Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth had reintroduced the proposed legislation as a Private Members' Bill which became law in December 2025.
Defra said the 2025 Act will offer greater deterrents to stop dogs attacking livestock, as well as providing police and the courts with greater powers of investigation and enforcement.
Officers have spoken of their disappointment at the incident and urged dog owners to place their pets on lead in the countryside.
READ NOW: What do new livestock worrying rules mean for farmers and dog owners?
"This is not just a threat to a farmer or land owner's livelihood, it is also a dangerous situation for the animals involved, and could lead to more risk if the animals get onto the road," a spokesperson for Kidwelly, Burry Port, Five Roads, and Ponthenri Police added.
"Always keep your dog under control around other animals and if you see a dog on the loose worrying animals, report it to us."
Anyone with further information has been asked to contact Dyfed-Powys Police and quote reference 26000225531.
Take the Lead
You can support Farmers Guardian's 'Take the Lead' campaign, in association with the National Sheep Association, to raise awareness of keeping dogs on lead when near livestock.
We can provide you with free signs, in English and Welsh, to place around your farm warning dog owners to keep their dogs on a lead near livestock.
PLEDGE YOUR SUPPORT: Join Farmers Guardian's Save Britain's Family Farms campaign
To request yours, send a stamped self-addressed A4 envelope to: FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian, Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park, Preston, Lancashire, PR2 9NZ.
We will be able to send up to 25 signs.
Alternatively, you can contact reporter Chris Brayford if you have been a victim of a livestock worrying incident and if you wish to share your story at [email protected].
READ NOW: Dog attack on 34 pregnant ewes could cost farmer £15k
