28/12/2025
This is particularly important for those with dogs in the Forest of Dean to know. It is now a criminal offence for dogs to upset sheep or livestock with no limit on fines and your dog seized. It doesn’t even have to chase them let alone attack them. Just worry them. This becomes law on 16th March 2026.
https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/18/law-changes-strengthen-protection-for-livestock/
NEW DOG LEGISLATION EXPLAINED
Important new legislation⚠️
Important to read if you own or walk dogs, as well as if you'd like to know your rights as a livestock owner!
UK law is being significantly updated in England and Wales through the new "Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill" to tackle dog attacks on livestock, including horses!
The new legislation has just been given final approval by the House of Lords, allowing it to be sent to the King for Royal Assent and finally being enshrined on the Statute Book.
Here is an overview of the changes....
Dog owners & walkers: livestock worrying law important update
The law on dogs and livestock worrying has recently been updated in Britain. These changes matter and they apply even on public footpaths and rights of way.
This post explains:
• what has changed
• what counts as evidence
• what “under proper control” actually means
• whether seized dogs are killed
What has changed in the law
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) legislation has been modernised. Key points:
➡️ Unlimited fines
The old £1,000 cap has gone. Courts can now impose unlimited fines reflecting the real harm caused.
➡️ More animals protected
'Livestock' now clearly includes alpacas and llamas, as well as sheep, cattle, goats, pigs and others.
➡️ More places covered
The law applies:
– in fields and enclosures
– on public footpaths
– on roads
– while livestock are being moved
➡️ Stronger police powers
Police can now:
– seize and detain dogs
– enter premises with a warrant
– collect forensic evidence
🔴 Worrying vs attacking livestock
This is crucial.
➡️ '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:
• miscarriages
• mis-mothering
• exhaustion
• broken limbs from fleeing
• long-term fear responses
➡️ Attacking livestock involves:
• biting
• grabbing
• injuring
• killing
⚠️Both worrying and attacking are criminal offences.⚠️
What counts as evidence now…
Livestock worrying often happens out of sight. The law now reflects that.
🔴 Evidence may include:
• Injuries to livestock (including stress-related harm)
• Bite marks, wounds, post-mortems
• Blood, tissue, or DNA
• Evidence from the dog (blood, saliva, bite patterns)
• Collars, leads, towels or other items
• Disturbed ground, damaged fencing
• Witness statements
• Livestock behaviour (panic, scattering, distress)
• The dog itself, which may be seized for examination
⚠️ 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 move or run
If the dog is stopped after it has approached or chased livestock, control was already lost.
➡️ On a lead
A dog on a lead is usually under control only if
• the lead is short enough
• the handler can physically restrain the dog
• the handler is paying attention
Flexi leads, long lines, or dragging leads in livestock areas are often not considered proper control.
➡️ Off lead
A dog can be under proper control off lead but the bar is very high.
If a dog:
• runs towards livestock
• hesitates before recall
• “only chases for a bit”
• comes back after animals flee.......it is not under proper control.
“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.
A practical rule used in policing: If a reasonable livestock keeper would feel at risk with that dog there, it is not under proper control.
⚠️ Are seized dogs killed?⚠️
No not usually, dogs are not automatically destroyed under livestock worrying law.
Dogs may be seized:
• to prevent repeat incidents
• to gather evidence
• during investigation
Courts usually focus on owner responsibility, not punishing the dog. Destruction orders are rare and would only arise under other legislation if a dog posed an unmanaged, serious risk.
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
🔴 Please feel free to share as clarity prevents heartbreak. 🔴
*This post is a general summary of current UK livestock-worrying law and practice, based on publicly available legislation and guidance. It is not legal advice and cannot account for individual circumstances.*
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 received Royal Assent today, strengthening legal protections for farmers against livestock worrying.
