#NewLaw | The law on dogs and livestock has changed. ⚖️👩‍⚖️

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.