Exeter MP welcomes new animal welfare strategy promising biggest reforms in a generation

Exeter’s MP has welcomed the launch of a new national Animal Welfare Strategy, with new protections for pets, farm animals and wildlife set to have a direct impact on communities across Exeter and the surrounding rural areas of Devon.

The Government says the strategy represents the biggest overhaul of animal welfare laws in a generation and is designed to close loopholes, modernise outdated legislation and strengthen enforcement. 

It includes plans to end puppy farming, ban electric shock collars for dogs, outlaw snare traps and trail hunting, and improve standards for farmed animals.

Steve Race MP said animal welfare is an issue he is “really passionate about” and one that comes up frequently in conversations with residents across the city.

READ NEXT: Exeter ranked one of the UK's most romantic cities ahead of Valentines Day

“We’re introducing new rules to protect and improve the lives of pets, farmed animals and wildlife across the country,” he said. 

“One of the first things I did as an MP was introduce a Private Members’ Bill on phasing out animal testing in medical research.”

“I also know this news means a lot to Exeter residents; we’re a city of animal lovers, and animal welfare is often a big topic of conversation on the doorstep.”

He said concerns about animal welfare are among the most common issues raised by constituents, with residents regularly contacting him about puppy smuggling, the use of snares and caged farming practices.

“I’ve received nearly a thousand emails since being elected on issues like snares, puppy smuggling and the use of cages in farming,” he said. “The new Animal Welfare Strategy reflects the values of our community and will protect pets, farm animals and wildlife, ending cruel practices and ensuring high standards of care.”

One of the most significant changes for rural communities around Exeter is the strengthening of laws to tackle livestock worrying, where dogs chase or attack farm animals, causing injury, death or miscarriages due to stress. 

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, passed in December, will come into force on 18 March 2026 and introduces unlimited fines for irresponsible dog owners alongside expanded police powers.

The updated law extends legal protection to alpacas and llamas and, for the first time, makes incidents on roads and public footpaths offences, as well as those on enclosed farmland. This is particularly relevant for areas on the outskirts of Exeter, where public rights of way often cross grazing land.

Devon & Cornwall Police’s livestock lead, PC Jules Fry, said many incidents happen because dog owners are unaware of the damage chasing can cause.

“Many people think their dog chasing farm animals is harmless, but these incidents can cause extreme stress leading to pregnancy loss, injuries and fatalities,” he said. “The best way to protect both dogs and livestock is to keep dogs on a lead anywhere near livestock.”

Local farmers have welcomed the tougher measures. A sheep farmer grazing land close to public footpaths near Exeter said the impact of dog attacks is often hidden.

“We’ve had sheep miscarry after being chased, even when there were no visible injuries,” he said. “It’s heartbreaking and it’s entirely preventable.”

Animal welfare charity Dogs Trust has backed the new penalties, while calling for better education and data collection to ensure the law is effective.

“In theory, tougher penalties should reduce the problem,” a spokesperson said, “but the lack of consistent reporting makes it hard to measure the true scale of livestock worrying. Education and awareness are just as important.”

Under the amended Act, police will have wider powers to seize and detain dogs suspected of worrying livestock, enter premises under warrant and collect forensic evidence, with courts also able to order owners to pay the costs involved.

National figures highlight the scale of the problem. A survey by the National Sheep Association found that almost 87 per cent of sheep farmers experienced at least one dog attack in 2024, while the National Farmers Union estimates the cost to the industry at nearly £1.8 million. 

NFU Devon vice-president Rachel Hallos described the legislation as “a huge victory” after years of campaigning.

Farm animal welfare forms a wider part of the Government’s strategy, which also includes plans to phase out colony cages for hens and farrowing crates for pigs, improve welfare at slaughter and review standards for gamebirds. Ministers say they will work with farmers to support a gradual transition.

For pets, the strategy promises a crackdown on puppy farming and smuggling, strengthened licensing for breeders and sellers, and new work with vets and welfare charities to improve owner education. Wildlife protections include plans to ban trail hunting, outlaw snare traps and introduce a closed season for hare coursing.

Mr Race linked the national strategy to work already taking place in Exeter, highlighting his support for the Blue Cross, which has a base in the city, and his visit to the University of Exeter’s Animal Free Research Centre of Excellence, after which he introduced legislation to phase out animal testing.

Launching the strategy, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds said: “We’re a nation of animal lovers, and this government is delivering the most ambitious animal welfare strategy in a generation.”

The Government says it will work with farmers, police, veterinary professionals, charities and local authorities to deliver the full programme of reforms by the end of the decade. 

Dog owners in Exeter and surrounding rural areas are being urged to familiarise themselves with the new livestock worrying laws ahead of their introduction and to keep dogs on leads near farm animals to prevent avoidable harm.