07/12/2025
Do you ever walk your dog in the countryside?
There has been an update to the Protection of Livestock legislation.
These changes matter and they apply even on public footpaths and rights of way.
What has changed in the law?
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) legislation has been modernised. Key points:
Worrying vs attacking livestock
This is a crucial part to this!
'Worrying livestock' includes:
➖ chasing
➖ running at
➖ harassing
➖ causing fear or panic
➖ being loose among livestock and not under proper control
No injury or physical contact is needed.
Stress alone is legally recognised harm. It can cause an animal to miscarry, break limbs, long term fear or cause exhaustion.
Attacking livestock involves:
➖ biting
➖ grabbing
➖ injuring
➖ killing
Both worrying and attacking are both criminal offences.
A case does not need someone to witness the moment of chasing if evidence supports what happened.
What “under proper control” REALLY means..
This is the most misunderstood part of the law.
A dog is under proper control only if the handler can prevent it from worrying livestock at all times.
That means the handler must be able to:
✔️ stop the dog before it approaches livestock
✔️ prevent any chasing or rushing
✔️ act instantly not “afterwards”
✔️ maintain control even if animals moves or runs
“Friendly”, “well trained”, or “never done it before” makes no difference in law.
NB Presence alone can be an offence
A loose dog among livestock, fence-running, or stalking can already count as worrying, even without a chase.
The law is about risk and stress, not intent.
The old £1000 cap has gone and courts can now impose unlimited fines reflecting the real harm that has been caused.
In short...
• Livestock do not need to be bitten for an offence
• Stress and chasing are recognised harm
• Evidence can be physical and forensic
• “Proper control” means preventing risk, not recalling afterwards
• Responsibility rests with the handler
This law exists to protect animals who cannot escape or speak for themselves and to make expectations clear for everyone who shares the countryside.
Always put your dog on a lead around livestock. Teach a strong recall and give livestock plenty of space.
