Dog attacks on farm animals have long been a serious issue across rural areas of the UK. Each year, livestock are injured or killed when dogs chase, harass or attack animals such as sheep and cattle. To tackle the growing problem, new legislation known as the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 has been introduced in England and Wales.

The Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 significantly strengthens existing laws that were originally written more than 70 years ago. The updated legislation introduces tougher penalties, expanded police powers, and broader protections for farm animals. For dog owners, particularly those who enjoy walking in the countryside, understanding these changes is essential.

This article explains what the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 means, why it has been introduced, and how dog owners can ensure they stay on the right side of the law while keeping farm animals safe.

Why the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 Was Introduced

Livestock worrying has been a persistent issue in the UK for decades, but recent figures show that the problem is worsening. According to agricultural insurer NFU Mutual, livestock worth nearly £2 million were severely injured or killed by dogs in 2025, representing a 10% increase compared with the previous year.

For farmers, these incidents can have devastating consequences. Sheep chased by dogs may suffer serious injuries or die from stress and exhaustion. Even when animals survive, attacks can cause miscarriages in pregnant ewes or long-term health problems.

A survey conducted by the National Sheep Association found that 87% of sheep farmers reported experiencing a dog attack on their flock within the past year. This highlights how widespread livestock worrying has become.

Many of these incidents occur when dogs are off lead in fields containing livestock. In some cases, owners are unaware their pet is chasing animals until it is too late. Because of these ongoing issues, the government introduced the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 to modernise outdated legislation and give authorities stronger powers to prevent attacks.

What Counts as Livestock Worrying?

Under the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025, livestock worrying refers to a dog that:

Attacks livestock
Chases livestock
Harasses animals in a way that causes distress
Causes animals to flee or panic
Injures or kills farm animals

Importantly, a dog does not have to physically bite livestock to be considered worrying them. Simply chasing sheep across a field can cause severe stress or injury.

Farm animals are particularly vulnerable to stress, and even brief incidents can result in serious harm. This is why the updated Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 takes a stricter approach to enforcement.

Key Changes Introduced by the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025

The Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 introduces several important changes designed to improve protection for farm animals.

Unlimited Fines for Offenders

Previously, dog owners whose pets attacked livestock could face a maximum fine of £1,000. Under the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025, that limit has been removed.

Courts can now impose unlimited fines on owners whose dogs are responsible for livestock worrying or attacks. This change reflects the serious financial and emotional impact that such incidents can have on farmers.

Police Powers to Seize Dogs

Another significant change under the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 is the introduction of stronger police powers.

Officers can now:

Seize dogs believed to pose an ongoing threat to livestock
Take DNA samples from dogs suspected of attacking farm animals
Enter premises to collect evidence relating to livestock attacks

These powers aim to make it easier for authorities to investigate incidents and hold owners accountable.

Owners May Be Required to Cover Costs

Courts also have the power under the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 to order offenders to pay the costs associated with seizing and detaining a dog.

This could include:

Kennelling fees
Veterinary care
Investigation costs

For owners, this could add significant financial consequences on top of fines.

Incidents Can Be Prosecuted on Roads and Public Paths

Previously, livestock worrying laws only applied when incidents occurred on private farmland. The Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 expands these rules.

Now, offences can be prosecuted even if they occur on:

Public footpaths
Bridleways
Rural roads

This change closes a loophole that previously allowed some cases to go unpunished.

Expanded Definition of Livestock

Another key feature of the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 is the expanded definition of livestock.

Protected animals now include:

Sheep
Cattle
Goats
Pigs
Poultry
Deer
Camelids such as alpacas and llamas

With the growing popularity of alpaca and llama farming in the UK, including these animals ensures they receive the same legal protection as traditional livestock.

Why Dog Attacks on Livestock Are So Serious

Many people assume their dog would never attack farm animals, but even well-trained pets can act on instinct when confronted with livestock.

Dogs naturally have a prey drive, and running animals can trigger chasing behaviour. Unfortunately, even playful chasing can cause devastating outcomes for farm animals.

Livestock attacks can result in:

Severe injuries
Broken limbs
Stress-induced miscarriages
Death from shock or exhaustion

For farmers, these incidents can lead to significant financial losses, as well as emotional distress when animals they care for are harmed.

The Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 aims to reduce these incidents by encouraging responsible dog ownership and strengthening enforcement.

What Dog Owners Should Do When Walking Near Livestock

To avoid breaking the law under the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025, dog owners should take simple precautions when walking in rural areas.

Keep Dogs on a Lead

The most effective way to prevent livestock worrying is to keep your dog on a lead when walking near farm animals.

Even if your dog is normally well behaved, unfamiliar surroundings can trigger unexpected reactions.

Be Aware of Livestock in Fields

Before letting your dog off the lead, check whether there are animals nearby. Sheep and cattle can sometimes be hidden behind hills or hedges.

If livestock are present, it is safest to keep your dog under close control.

Follow Countryside Signage

Farmers often place signs warning walkers about livestock in fields. These signs should always be taken seriously.

They are there to protect both farm animals and the public.

Choose Alternative Routes if Needed

If a field contains large numbers of animals or if livestock appear agitated, consider choosing a different path. This reduces the risk of stress for both the animals and your dog.

The Importance of Responsible Dog Ownership

The Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 highlights the importance of responsible dog ownership, particularly for those who enjoy countryside walks.

Most dog owners are responsible and would never intentionally allow their pets to harm livestock. However, even accidental incidents can have serious consequences under the new law.

By keeping dogs under control and respecting farmland, owners can help reduce livestock worrying and maintain positive relationships between walkers and farmers.

A Reminder for Pet Owners Visiting Rural Areas

With spring and summer bringing warmer weather, more people will be heading outdoors with their dogs. Rural walks can be a wonderful experience for both pets and owners, but they also come with responsibilities.

The Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 serves as a reminder that farm animals must be protected from unnecessary stress or harm.

Dog owners should always:

Keep dogs under control near livestock
Use leads where appropriate
Follow countryside guidance
Respect farmland and farmers

Final Thoughts

The Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 marks a major update to outdated livestock worrying laws in England and Wales. By introducing unlimited fines, stronger police powers and expanded protections for farm animals, the legislation aims to significantly reduce dog attacks on livestock.

With nearly £2 million worth of livestock lost to dog attacks in 2025 and the majority of sheep farmers reporting incidents, the need for stronger protection has become clear.

For dog owners, the message is simple: responsible behaviour in the countryside protects not only livestock but also pets and their owners from serious legal consequences.

By understanding the rules introduced under the Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025 and taking sensible precautions when walking near farm animals, everyone can help keep the countryside safe for both pets and livestock.

Dogs Protection of Livestock Act 2025: What Dog Owners Need to Know