Livestock worrying by dogs remains one of the most distressing issues facing UK farmers. According to NFU research, the total cost of livestock worrying across the UK reached £1.8 million in the past year alone.

From 18 March 2026, new legislation comes into force that significantly strengthens protections for livestock and gives police greater powers to act. Here's what the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 means for you.

What's Changing?

The original Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 was long overdue for an update. The maximum fine of £1,000 hadn't changed in decades and was widely seen as inadequate.

The new legislation, which received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025, makes several important changes:

Unlimited Fines

The maximum penalty increases from £1,000 to an unlimited fine. Courts now have the discretion to impose fines that properly reflect the damage caused, both financial and emotional.

Expanded Definition of Worrying

The Act now clearly distinguishes between attacking and worrying livestock. Importantly, a dog doesn't need to make physical contact with animals to commit an offence. Chasing or disturbing livestock in a way that causes distress is now explicitly covered.

Wider Coverage

Protection now extends to:

Roads and paths - Recognising that incidents can happen when farmers move livestock between fields or to market
Camelids - Llamas and alpacas are now included alongside cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, and poultry

Stronger Police Powers

Police officers now have enhanced powers to:

Seize and detain dogs where there are reasonable grounds to believe they pose a future risk
Take samples and impressions from dogs and livestock as evidence
Enter and search premises (with a warrant) to identify dogs, collect evidence, or examine disturbed ground and damaged fencing
Order offenders to pay costs for seizing and detaining dogs

Why This Matters

The statistics paint a concerning picture. A National Sheep Association survey for 2025 showed that 87% of respondents had experienced a dog attack on their sheep flock in the previous 12 months. Reports indicate attacks are becoming more severe, with greater levels of injury.

The impact goes beyond the immediate injuries:

Direct losses - Animals killed or requiring euthanasia
Veterinary costs - Treatment for injuries
Abortions - Pregnant ewes and cows stressed by attacks often lose their young
Reduced productivity - Stressed animals produce less milk and gain weight more slowly
Emotional toll - The distress of finding attacked animals shouldn't be underestimated

What to Do If an Incident Occurs

If your livestock is attacked or worried by a dog, the Defra guidance recommends:

Immediately

Secure your animals - Move surviving livestock away from danger if safe to do so
Call the police - Report the incident on 101 (or 999 if you need immediate assistance)
Contact your vet - For any injured animals

Evidence Gathering

Take photos and videos - Document injuries, disturbed ground, damaged fencing, and any signs of the attacking dog
Note the date, time, and location - Be as specific as possible
Record witness details - Names and contact information for anyone who saw what happened
Keep veterinary records - All treatment notes and costs
Document losses - Both immediate deaths and any subsequent abortions or health issues

Important

Don't attempt to confront dog owners yourself. Let the police handle this using their new powers.

Prevention Measures

While the new law strengthens your position after an incident, prevention is always better:

Signage

Clear signs warning dog owners about livestock can help. NFU members can get free gatepost warning signs through the union.

Fencing

Review fence lines, especially where public footpaths cross your land. Good fencing won't stop a determined dog, but it removes any excuse about animals "wandering."

Footpath Management

Where public rights of way cross livestock fields:

Ensure gates are clear and easy to use
Consider the route and whether alternative paths might be safer
Keep signage visible and in good condition

Lambing and Calving

Extra vigilance during lambing and calving seasons, when animals are most vulnerable. Consider temporary signage highlighting the presence of young stock.

A Defence for Dog Owners

The Act includes a new defence for dog owners. If their dog was in someone else's charge without their consent (for example, if the dog was stolen), they may not be liable. This is a reasonable protection against cases where the owner genuinely had no control.

Where Does This Apply?

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 applies to England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own separate legislation covering livestock worrying.

Common Questions

Does my animal need to be physically injured for it to be an offence?

No. Under the new Act, chasing or disturbing livestock in a way that causes distress is sufficient. A dog doesn't need to make physical contact.

What if the dog was off-lead on a public footpath?

Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control, including on public rights of way. If a dog worries or attacks livestock, an offence has been committed regardless of where it happened.

Can I shoot a dog attacking my livestock?

This is a complex area of law. You may have a defence if you can show the action was necessary to protect your livestock and there was no other reasonable option. However, this should always be an absolute last resort. Call the police first if at all possible.

What about alpacas and llamas specifically?

Yes, camelids are now explicitly protected under the Act. This is a new addition recognising the growing number of farms keeping these animals.

The Bottom Line

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 represents a significant step forward in protecting farm animals from dog attacks. The combination of unlimited fines and enhanced police powers should provide a genuine deterrent.

However, the law only works if incidents are reported. If you experience livestock worrying, report it to the police and document everything thoroughly. The more evidence gathered, the better the chance of a successful prosecution.

From 18 March 2026, you'll have stronger legal backing than ever before. Make sure you're ready to use it.

Sources

Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 - Legislation.gov.uk
Law changes strengthen protection for livestock - Defra Farming Blog
Unlimited fines for dog attacks on farm animals - GOV.UK
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill - UK Parliament
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill Research Briefing - House of Commons Library

Dogs and Livestock: New Legal Protections Coming March 2026