Dog owners in England and Wales will now face potentially unlimited fines and the risk of their pets being seized if their dogs attack, chase, or distress farm animals under a new law that came into effect on Wednesday. The updated legislation, an amendment to livestock worrying laws over 70 years old, grants police expanded powers to collect DNA evidence from suspected dogs and prosecute incidents regardless of location.
Rising Incidents and Financial Toll
The move comes amid a sharp increase in livestock attacks, with insurers at NFU Mutual reporting nearly £2 million in losses due to dog-related injuries and deaths in 2025 – a 10% jump from the previous year. Farmers have long described these incidents as a recurring “nightmare,” particularly as more people venture into rural areas with untrained dogs.
One Somerset farmer, Joshua Gay, lost thousands of pounds last June when a loose dog attacked around 35 of his sheep and lambs. Some animals were killed outright, while others died from heatstroke after being driven into dense brush. This highlights the brutal reality of livestock worrying: panicked animals can suffer horrific deaths even without direct bites.
Key Changes Under the New Act
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 introduces several key changes:
- Unlimited Fines: The maximum penalty has been removed, allowing for harsher consequences.
- Expanded Police Powers: Law enforcement can now seize dogs suspected of being a continuing threat and collect DNA evidence, even entering private property to do so.
- Recovery of Costs: Courts can order offenders to cover expenses related to seizing and detaining animals.
- Wider Jurisdiction: Prosecutions will now occur even on roads or public paths, not just private farmland.
- Expanded Protection: The law now includes camelids like llamas and alpacas, whose popularity has increased since the original legislation in 1953.
Why This Matters
The issue of livestock worrying isn’t just about financial losses. It’s about animal welfare, rural livelihoods, and the increasing tension between urban visitors and farming communities. The older laws were seen as inadequate because the penalties were too low to deter irresponsible behavior. The new law is a direct response to growing public outcry and economic damage.
Alpaca owner Helen Edmunds noted the importance of including camelids in the law, while dog behaviorist Dr. Anna Muir supports the changes, particularly for owners who allow their dogs to run uncontrolled. She cautioned that even responsible dog walkers could face legal issues if their pets encounter stray livestock on roads or during farm movements.
Rural Concerns and Industry Response
According to a survey by the National Sheep Association, 87% of sheep farmers reported a dog attack on their flock in the past year. Gavin Lane, president of the Country Land and Business Association, called the law change a “serious step forward,” stating that farmers should no longer have to fear attacks on their animals.
The updated legislation is intended to deter irresponsible dog ownership and protect rural economies. The long-term impact will depend on enforcement and public awareness.
