Dog owners could now face unlimited fines or have their pet taken away under new laws to protect livestock.
Although "livestock worrying" laws for dogs have been in place for over 70 years, dog attacks have been on the rise and have prompted an overhaul of legislation, which came into effect on 18 March.
Key changes introduced in the new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 include:
- Unlimited fines for those whose dogs attack or chase livestock; previously, these were capped at £1,000.
- New powers for the police to seize dogs suspected of posing a threat to livestock, and enter property to secure evidence or animal DNA.
- An updated definition of "worrying" that makes chasing or intimidating livestock illegal. Before, "worrying" was considered just physical contact.
- New definition of "livestock", which now includes alpacas and llamas too.
- Incidents are now prosecuted if they occur on roads or public footpaths, rather than only on private farmland.
While these laws show the importance of keeping your dog under control around livestock at all times, it's particularly important to be vigilant when walking your dog in a new area. Dr Emma Scales-Theobold, dog expert at Canine Cottages, explains: "It's easy for dogs to 'forget' their training and ignore you in a new and exciting environment because they're more focused on what's around them than you."
If in doubt, always err on the side of caution. Dogs can have a devastating impact on livestock such as sheep: in a recent survey by the National Sheep Association, 87% of sheep farmers had experienced a dog attack on their flock in the past year. Insurer NFU Mutual estimates that nearly £2m of livestock was severely injured or killed by dogs in 2025.
Even if your dog doesn't attack them, chasing sheep can cause considerable distress or drive them into hedges they are unable to escape from, potentially causing a slow and painful death.
"Even if you trust your dog implicitly, it's best to be safe and keep your dog on a lead around livestock, to prevent distress to other animals and protect yourself from the new laws," Dr Emma advises.
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Cara is Commissioning Editor at Country Living, covering everything from style and interiors to sustainability, artisans and the great outdoors. She has previously worked for Good Housekeeping, Homes & Gardens, House Beautiful, Prima and Red, and has an MA in Magazine Journalism from City University and a BA in Music from the University of Oxford. Follow Cara on Instagram @caralaskaris or Linkedin.
