20/03/2026
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1BAyqy8Cta/
🚨 New Dog Law Alert – Now in Force (18th March) 🚨
Today marks a BIG change for dog owners across England & Wales when it comes to dogs around livestock… and it’s one every owner needs to understand 👇
A new law has officially come into force to better protect farm animals from dog attacks and “livestock worrying” (that includes chasing, stressing or attacking).
🐑 So what’s changed?
✔️ Unlimited fines
Previously capped at £1,000, now there is no limit to what you could be fined if your dog worries livestock.
✔️ Stronger police powers
Police can now:
• Seize and detain dogs
• Enter premises to gather evidence
• Use things like DNA evidence in investigations
✔️ No contact needed for it to be an offence
If your dog chases or causes distress to livestock, that’s enough.
🧠 Why this matters
Livestock worrying isn’t just “a bit of chasing”
It can lead to:
• Injured or killed animals
• Miscarriages in pregnant livestock
• Huge emotional and financial impact on farmers
And this isn’t rare. Around 87% of sheep farmers reported attacks in 2024.
🐾 What should YOU be doing?
Simple, responsible handling makes all the difference:
👉 Keep your dog on a lead around livestock
👉 Don’t assume “they’re friendly” means safe
👉 Read signs and respect farmland
👉 Train reliable recall, but don’t rely on it in high risk areas
This isn’t about scaring people, it’s about responsibility.
Most owners would never intentionally harm livestock
But lack of control is all it takes.
If your dog would chase, you need to manage that. Full stop.
Let’s raise the standard of dog ownership and keep everyone safe. Dogs, livestock, and owners included 💛
If you’re struggling with recall, control or reactivity outdoors this is exactly what we help with at LCA.
No judgement. Just proper training and support 👌
