Unlimited fines introduced for irresponsible dog owners under new livestock protection law

Dog owners found guilty of irresponsible behaviour around farm animals could now face unlimited fines under updated legislation passed by Parliament late last year.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 was approved on 18 December 2025 and will come into force on 18 March 2026. The changes are designed to strengthen protections for sheep, cattle, and other farm animals, and to give police greater powers to investigate incidents of livestock worrying.
Under the updated law, alpacas and llamas are now formally recognised as livestock. Incidents involving dogs on roads and public paths will also be treated as offences, expanding the scope beyond fields and enclosed farmland.
Livestock worrying occurs when a dog attacks, chases or causes stress to farm animals. Even without physical contact, behaviours such as chasing, barking or stalking can cause animals to panic, leading to serious injury, death or the loss of unborn lambs.
The new legislation gives police officers wider powers, including the ability to seize and detain dogs suspected of chasing or attacking livestock, enter premises under warrant to gather evidence, and take forensic samples such as DNA or mouth impressions.
The scale of the issue remains significant. A recent National Sheep Association survey found that almost 87 per cent of sheep farmers experienced at least one dog attack on their flock in 2024. The National Farmers Union estimates that livestock worrying cost the industry nearly £1.8 million in the same year.
Devon & Cornwall Police’s Livestock Lead, Rural Affairs Officer PC Jules Fry, said: “Many dog owners may not be aware of livestock worrying laws or may think their dog momentarily chasing farm animals is harmless, but these incidents can cause animals to experience extreme stress, which can lead to pregnancy loss, injuries and fatalities.
"The best way to protect both dogs and livestock is for owners to keep their dogs on a lead anywhere near livestock (or where livestock could be encountered).
"The only exception to this would be if you are chased by cattle; in which case, you should release your dog and move quickly and calmly away from the herd."
He added: "The changes in the new bill will bring stronger powers which will allow us to thoroughly investigate incidents of livestock worrying and to take action against irresponsible owners whose dogs are proven to have caused harm to innocent animals.”
As part of efforts to raise awareness, Devon & Cornwall Police’s Rural Affairs team will hold an educational livestock worrying event for farmers in and around Bodmin next month. The event takes place at Blisland Village Hall on Wednesday 4 February at 7pm.
Braunton-based farmer and The Sheep Show star Trevor Wayborn will attend as a guest speaker. He said: “Sadly, attacks on livestock happen often. Even the most friendly and well-trained dogs have a natural instinct to chase, and we know that as we’ve been victims of livestock attacks ourselves in the past.
“I’m pleased to be working with officers from the Rural Affairs team to raise awareness about livestock worrying, so that we can work together with other farmers and members of the public to reduce the number of animals attacked by dogs in Devon and Cornwall.”
Anyone wishing to attend the event is advised to book a place in advance. For the latest rural crime prevention advice, residents can follow the Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Affairs team on Facebook.