Keep your dog on a lead to help protect livestock

New Livestock-Worrying Laws for Dog Owners: What you need to know

From 18 March 2026, dog owners across England and Wales will face much stricter laws around livestock worrying as the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 officially comes into force.

The updated legislation modernises the original 1953 act and introduces tougher penalties, wider definitions, and expanded police powers to help protect farm animals from dog attacks and harassment.

Why the Law Has Changed

Cases of livestock worrying have risen sharply in recent years, with farmers reporting devastating financial and emotional impacts. According to government data, incidents of dog attacks have become increasingly common, partly due to more countryside visitors and insufficient awareness of existing rules.

Under the old legislation, many incidents went unpunished or could only be met with low-level fines. The new law updates the framework to match modern farming practices and today’s countryside access patterns.

Key Changes Dog Owners Need to Know (Effective 18 March 2026)

Unlimited fines for livestock worrying

The previous £1,000 maximum fine has been replaced with unlimited fines, allowing courts to impose penalties proportionate to the financial loss and seriousness of the incident.

Police gain expanded seizure and investigation powers

Police can now:

• Seize and detain a dog without a court order if it’s suspected of worrying livestock.
• Collect forensic evidence, including DNA, hair or mouth impressions, to link a dog to an attack.
• Enter premises to secure evidence or detain a dog posing an ongoing threat.

Wider definition of “livestock”

The law now formally includes animals such as alpacas and llamas, reflecting the diversification of UK farming.

Offences apply beyond agricultural land

Livestock worrying laws now apply on:

• Public roads
• Footpaths and rights of way
• Roadside verges Meaning dog owners can be liable even where livestock aren’t immediately visible.

Clearer definitions of “worrying” and “attacking”

The act now distinguishes attacking from worrying, making the severity of violent incidents clearer. “

Worrying” now includes:

• Chasing
• Harassing
• Barking at or causing stress to farm animals
• Any behaviour likely to cause injury, including stress-induced miscarriage in pregnant ewes.

Dogs don’t need to make physical contact for an offence to occur.

What This Means for Dog Owners

Springtime countryside walks can be incredibly enjoyable, but they also come with responsibilities.

Even well-trained and normally obedient dogs can become overstimulated in rural environments due to new scents and sights, which can trigger instinctive predatory behaviour, especially around livestock.

With livestock-worrying incidents costing UK farmers millions each year, the new laws aim to reduce harm through both enforcement and public education.

“When we share our lives with dogs, we not only have a responsibility to them but also to the other wonderful species that share our world,” said naturalist and TV presenter Chris Packham, education ambassador for Blue Cross.

“All year round, dogs who have not had the right training can pose a potential threat to wildlife and livestock. This is through no fault of their own but simply because of their genetic make-up and what their breeds may literally be designed to do!

“I support Blue Cross to bust myths that time spent on the lead is somehow denying your dog pleasure or enjoyment. We need to keep all our animal friends safe, and that includes the ones in our home and outside.”

The safest and simplest approach?

Keep your dog on a short lead (no more than 2 metres) whenever livestock may be nearby.

Practical Tips to Stay Compliant

• Always put your dog on a lead around livestock, even if they have good recall.
• Be aware that livestock may be just out of sight.
• Stick to marked paths and pay attention to local signage.
• If chased by cattle, release your dog for your own safety, this is permitted.
• Report any livestock worrying incidents you witness.

With dog insurance from Purely Pets, you can manage your policy online and payments for treatment can be made direct to your vet. You’ll also have 24/7 access to Joii, our vet care service for any queries regarding your dog’s health