10/12/2025
🐖🐄 🐎 🐔 🦙 🐐 🐑 🐂 ………..🐕 🐕 🐕 💨
The law on dogs and livestock worrying has recently been updated in England and Wales after the House of Lords passed an amendment to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953. The new law will apply to roads, paths and public rights of way, in addition to fields and enclosures.
Police officers will also gain new powers to seize dogs which pose a risk of repeated attacks, as well as allowing police to use contemporary forensic tools, including DNA sampling and taking mouth impressions from dogs suspected of worrying livestock. The legislation also now extends protection to alpacas and llamas.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) legislation has been modernised. Key points:
*Unlimited fines
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 horses.
*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
- collect witness statements
'Worrying livestock' includes:
• chasing
• running at, or fence running
• harassing
• causing fear or panic
• being loose among livestock and not under close control
*Attacking livestock involves:
• biting
• grabbing
• injuring
• killing
*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
The definition of ‘Close Control’
In the context of UK law regarding dogs and livestock, particularly the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 and associated guidance, 'close control' means that a dog is either on a short lead or is under direct voice command and close to its owner, with no ability to stray or chase animals.
Key aspects of 'close control'
Physical Restraint (Lead): The most reliable form of close control is keeping the dog on a short, fixed lead (e.g., no longer than two metres). Flexi-leads or long lines where the dog can range far are generally not considered sufficient.
Effective Command:
If not on a lead, the dog must be "at heel" and instantly responsive to commands. The owner must be aware of the dog's actions at all times and confident the dog will return reliably and promptly on command.
Prevention, Not Reaction:
A dog is only under proper control if the handler can prevent it from approaching or worrying livestock before an incident occurs. If the dog runs towards livestock and is recalled, control has already been lost.
Risk and Stress:
The law focuses on risk and the stress caused to livestock, not just physical injury. A dog simply being loose among sheep and running at them is considered to be worrying, even without making physical contact.
General Guidance: The Countryside Code advises that it is always good practice to keep your dog on a lead around farm animals.
Ultimately, the test for 'close control' is whether a responsible person can prevent their dog from bothering livestock AT ALL TIMES, ensuring the safety and welfare of the animals.
Why take the risk? train your dog and get guidance and professional help if required, and even then use a short lead through livestock areas.
