Dog Owners, New Law

New Law/ Dogs and Livestock

The law on dogs and livestock is changing from March 2026, tougher penalties and new Police Powers will be in place to better protect farm animals and support our local rural communities.

It is now an offence if a dog :

Attacks livestock

Chases, stalks or frightens livestock

Causes stress, injury, death, miscarriage or loss of produce

IMPORTANT : A dog does NOT need to touch an animal for the offence to occur.

The Law protects a wide range of livestock, including :

Sheep

Cattle (cows, bulls, calves)

Goats

Pigs

Horses

Poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese)

These Protections apply :

On farmland - fields

On public footpaths

On roads where livestock are present

NEW POLICE POWERS INCLUDE :

Seizing dogs involved in livestock worrying

Entering premises with a warrant 

Taking DNA and other evidence

Recovering cost from offenders

Courts can issue UNLIMITED FINES

DOG OWNERS - YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES 

Keep dogs under close control near livestock

Use a lead in fields with animals

Public right of way still count

REMEMBER :  IT'S YOUR DOG. YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. 

Please remember in the UK farmers are legally permitted to shoot a dog if it is actively worrying, attacking or about to cause harm to their livestock.