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Dear Resident
We are lucky in the Bolton North area to live and work so close to so many wonderful green spaces and countryside. I know that many number of you enjoy spending time out and about in the green spaces often with dogs, while others in the community keep livestock either to derive a living or as hobbyists for pleasure.  | |
Research suggests 4 in 5 farmers report that their sheep flocks have been attacked by dogs in 2024 with many reporting multiple incidents. Livestock worrying can happen when a dog attacks, chases or is loose among livestock. Dogs don't need to make contact for harm to occur. Fear and stress alone can harm livestock, and, in severe cases, cause them to die.
If you are a dog owner or walker, even if you don’t regularly walk in rural areas or encounter farm animals there is an important change in legislation that concerns dog attacks and worrying of livestock in England and Wales.
As of March 18th 2026, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 has brought into force bringing significant updates to UK livestock legislation.
Some of the key updates that animal owners need to be aware of are:-
Definition of Worrying - “Livestock worrying" now includes chasing, attacking, or causing panic, even without physical contact.
Locations – The law now covers incidents on public rights of way and roads, not just within fenced agricultural land.
Maximum fines for owners whose dogs attack or worry livestock have increased from £1,000 to an unlimited fine.
Increased Police Powers: Officers can now seize and detain dogs suspected of worrying, even when no owner is present, and take forensic samples (DNA/dental impressions). Courts have also been given the power to require offenders to cover the costs of seizing and caring for a detained dog. Police also now have the powers to enter and search premises to identify, seize and detain a dog for the prevention of future incidents, to collect samples or impressions, or seize any other evidence
Changes to the Definition of Livestock: The legislation now explicitly includes camelids (llamas and alpacas) alongside sheep, cows, pigs, poultry, and other farm animals.
For more information and to familiarise yourself with the new laws and legislation please click the following link - https://defrafarming.blog.gov.uk/2025/12/18/law-changes-strengthen-protection-for-livestock/ More information about livestock worrying and other rural crime can be found on GMPs Rural Crime pages on the GMP Website here - https://www.gmp.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/rc/rural-crime/ | 
