OPERATION RECALL : LIVESTOCK WORRYING

Unfortunately with the spring like weather we have started to now see an increase in reports of livestock worrying and attacks by dogs on sheep & lambs 

Every year, thousands of farm animals are killed or injured by dog attacks. Figures also suggest at least one dog a week is shot because of livestock attacks.

#OpRECALL is the national operation raising awareness around livestock worrying & attacks, and stands for: Responsibility, Education, Control, Accountability, Livestock and Livelihood. Simply put - your dog is your responsibility!

Things to consider: 

• You must put measures in place to keep your dog under proper control when near livestock (Is the lead strong enough, is your fencing up to the job?) 

• If you allow children or young people to walk your dog, are they strong enough to hold it if it pulls harshly?

• Work on the dog's recall in a safe place so that if they do slip the lead you have a plan B! 

** You should never allow your dog to be in a position where it could worry livestock **

We will be out and about in the coming months to raise awareness around #OpRecall.

The below has been shared from our colleagues at Cumbria Police Rural Crime Team. 

Livestock worrying- new Bill 

Yesterday saw 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.