Good news for our rural communities

Good news for our rural communities – new law around livestock attacks comes into effect 

A major update to the law relating to dogs attacking livestock comes into effect today.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 is designed to combat the rising number of dog attacks on farm animals.

Key changes include:

 Definition of ‘worrying’: Physical contact is not required for an offence. ‘Worrying’ includes chasing, running at, or causing fear or panic to livestock.

 Definition of ‘livestock’: The law now explicitly includes camelids such as alpacas and llamas.

 Locations: The law now covers incidents occurring on public footpaths, roads, and bridleways, not just within fenced agricultural fields.

 Unlimited fines: The previous maximum fine of £1,000 has been removed. Courts can now impose unlimited fines for livestock worrying.

Sergeant David Lund, of North Yorkshire Police’s Rural Taskforce, said: “It’s a simple message, but it’s now more important than ever: keep your dogs on a lead around livestock.

“Police officers in rural communities see first-hand the damage and suffering caused by dog attacks on farm animals. With this legislation, we will be able to continue to deal with these offences robustly.

“I urge farmers to keep reporting all incidents immediately to us. Secure evidence such as photographs, videos and witness details, and do not dispose of carcasses before we check them. Working together, we can and will reduce the impact of livestock attacks in our area.”