The Dog (Protection of Livestock)(Amendment) Act 2025

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 has officially received Royal Assent today and is now law! 

This is a monumental step forward.

The new law will come into effect on 18 March 2026 and brings with it several key changes that will significantly impact our work and the rural communities we serve. Firstly, the Act strengthens police powers, including new powers of entry, the seizure and detention of dogs, and the collection of evidence. Additionally, the scope of the species protected under the Act has been extended to include camelids, such as alpacas and llamas, which are increasingly common on farms. The locations where an offence can occur have also been expanded to include roads and paths. Moreover, the maximum penalty has been increased from a £1,000 fine to an "unlimited" fine, serving as a stronger deterrent for future incidents.

The legislation.gov.uk page will be updated in due course. Details about the Act can be found here in the meantime: Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill publications - Parliamentary Bills - UK Parliament