24/03/2026
❗ Livestock worrying- new Bill ❗
⚖️ Today sees The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 come into effect, designed to allow Police stronger enforcement powers and Courts higher penalties to tackle this continuing problem.
📣 Key changes...
💷 Fines increased from £1000 to unlimited
🐪 Definition of livestock expanded to include camelids (such as alpacas and llamas)
🚶♂️ Locations for the offence have been broadened to include public paths, roads and bridleways
🚓 Increase of police powers to detain dogs responsible for attacking or worrying livestock
🏠 Ability to obtain warrants to enter premises and search to seize, detain or take samples from dogs
🐑 Remember, the offence of "worrying" doesn't require physical contact. Chasing, running at or causing panic to livestock are all forms of worrying.
🐕🦺 It is YOUR responsibility to keep your dog under control around livestock. We would always urge people to use leads to ensure full control. This offence is totally avoidable if dog owners behave responsibly.
