New laws in place for dog attacks on farm animals

As of 18 March 2026, dog owners in England and Wales could face unlimited fines and potential pet seizure if their dogs attack or disturb livestock.  Lodders’ Agricultural Law team explains these new laws in more detail.

Designed to help better protect farm animals from attacks, the change in law has come into force following the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025. Farmers and other livestock keepers will now have clearer and stronger legal protection against livestock worrying, which can result in significant distress to livestock and owners, as well as financial losses.

Key aspects of the new law include:

• Unlimited fines – where fines were previously a maximum of £1,000, courts can now impose unlimited financial penalties
• Expanded definitions – “livestock” now includes cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, llamas and alpacas. Likestock worrying is not limited to physical contact and now includes attacking, chasing or causing distress (such as causing animals to miscarry)
• Police powers – police can seize, detain and take DNA samples from dogs suspected of attacking livestock, in order to secure prosecution
• Liability – owners may be obligated to pay the costs for boarding and welfare of a seized dog
• Wider area – the new law covers incidents on private land, public footpaths, roads and bridleways 

Supporting farmers

A survey of farmers from the National Sheep Association found that almost four in five (87%) sheep farmers experienced a dog attack on their flock in 2024. Research by the NFU estimated that the cost of livestock worrying has risen by 10% in 2025, with almost £2m worth of livestock severely injured or killed by dogs. These new laws aim to reduce the emotional and financial strain on farming communities from these attacks and could save a farmer up to an estimated £6,000 a year from the cost of replacing livestock.

Farmers should report, record and retain any information or evidence relating to a livestock attacking or worrying incident where available and share it with the police. The new laws should provide them with the confidence that incidents can be quickly and properly investigated.

Advice to dog owners

This new law is intended to keep livestock safe. If dogs are walked responsibly in the countryside, then owners will have nothing to worry about. Dog owners should:

• Follow the Countryside Code when visiting rural areas
• Always keep dogs under control and in sight – any dog is capable of livestock worrying, no matter how well behaved
• Keep dogs on a lead unless being chased by cattle
• Follow local signs and ensure you are not trespassing
• Report incidents of livestock worrying to police or local farmers
• Ensure dogs cannot escape from homes or gardens near livestock fields

The law also introduces a new defence for dog owners where their dog worries livestock whilst in someone else’s charge without their consent, such as if it had been stolen or taken without permission.

If you have any questions about how these laws may affect you and your livestock, please do get in touch with our friendly team, who would be happy to help.