New livestock-worrying laws coming into force

A major overhaul of livestock-worrying laws comes into force on 18 March, in a move that police and industry leaders say should give farmers in England and Wales stronger protection against dog attacks.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 updates legislation that has been largely unchanged since 1953, following more than a decade of lobbying and policy work led by rural crime teams.

Under the new law, which completed its parliamentary passage last December, courts will be able to impose unlimited fines on owners whose dogs worry livestock, replacing the previous £1,000 cap.

See also: Dog attacks on livestock now carry unlimited fines

Police will also have clearer powers to seize and detain dogs suspected of involvement in an incident.

The definition of “livestock” has been widened to include species, such as alpacas and llamas.

Crucially for many producers, offences will apply not only on agricultural land, but also on public places and rights of way.

Worrying is now also defined to include chasing and causing stress to animals, not just physical attacks.

Changes overdue

For Ceredigion sheep farmer Anwen Hughes, who runs 34ha near New Quay in west Wales – a popular tourist destination – the changes are long overdue.

“Livestock attacks remain a regular occurrence here on the farm, and people don’t always come forward,” she told Farmers Weekly.

“I consistently see people walking the footpaths here through lambing season, and their dogs are off the lead with no recall.

“I welcome the change in the law, but there also has to be greater education of the public about what their pet is capable of doing.”

Behaviour change

Rob Taylor, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for livestock attacks, who has been instrumental in the change of the law, said new warning signs are also being distributed to forces in England and Wales, but warned that behaviour change would not be immediate.

“We’re never going to stop it, but this will help reduce the incidence,” he added.

Farmers’ Union of Wales president Ian Rickman said accurate reporting also remained essential to ensure resources are directed where they are needed.

“It is only by reporting incidents that we get a true reflection of the problem, which then allows the police to act,” he said.

Dyfed-Powys Police rural crime sergeant Paul Roberts said structures within forces were also changing to reflect the scale of the issue.

“All livestock worrying and theft is now investigated by a dedicated rural crime officer who is aware of the impact on that farm, and that is something we didn’t have before,” he said.

Public engagement

Alongside enforcement, police and industry bodies are stepping up public engagement.

Dyfed-Powys Police is using social media to reinforce messages on responsible dog ownership, while the National Sheep Association (NSA) is targeting dog owners directly at Crufts from 5-8 March.

The event, which attracts more than 20,000 dog owners from around the world, is being used to highlight the ongoing problem of sheep worrying.

NSA representatives will be available in the show’s “Meet the Experts” area to discuss livestock worrying, explain the new legislation and answer questions from dog owners and industry professionals.