From March 2026, tougher penalties and new police powers are in force to protect farm animals and support rural communities.
It will now be an offence if a dog:
- Attacks livestock
• Chases, stalks or frightens livestock
• Causes stress, injury, death, miscarriage or loss of produce
• A dog does NOT need to touch an animal for an offence to occur.
The law covers a wide range of livestock, including:
- Sheep
• Cattle (cows, bulls, calves)
• Goats
• Pigs
• Horses
• Poultry (chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese)
• Alpacas and llamas
These protections apply on farmland and on public footpaths or roads where livestock are present.
Under the updated law, police can now:
- Seize dogs involved in livestock worrying
• Enter premises with a warrant
• Take DNA and other evidence
• Recover costs from offenders
• Courts can issue unlimited fines.
As a dog owner, you need to:
• Keep dogs under close control near livestock
• Use a lead in fields with animals
• Public rights of way are included
Remember, it’s your dog. Your responsibility.
