19/03/2026
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📰 Tougher livestock worrying laws now in force
New legislation giving police greater powers to tackle dog attacks on farm animals comes into force in England and Wales today.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act removes the previous £1,000 cap on fines, replacing it with unlimited penalties, and extends the scope of the original 1953 law beyond farm fields to include roads and paths used to move stock.
Officers have gained powers to seize suspect dogs and enter premises with warrants to collect forensic evidence.
Dog owners should be aware that animals which run towards livestock or hesitate before recall may fall foul of the law even if no chase takes place.
💬 CLA president Gavin Lane said the change was long overdue.
"Farmers should not have to live in fear of dogs attacking their animals. Yet the stories keep coming: ewes chased into rivers, calves with their jaws ripped off, and animals mauled so badly they have to be put down.
"No farmer can forget finding an animal they've cared for in pain.”
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