New Legislation

NEW LEGISLATION

As of March 18, 2026, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 is in force in England and Wales, strengthens protections against livestock worrying by introducing unlimited fines, expanding police seizure powers to include DNA evidence collection, and expanding the legal definition of livestock to include camelids (llamas/alpacas).  The law, which covers attacks on roads and paths, allows courts to order owners to pay kennel/detention costs. 

Key Changes to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 

Penalties: Maximum fines for owners increased from £1,000 to unlimited fine.

Police Powers: Police can now seize and detain dogs suspected of worrying livestock.  They are also authorised to take DNA samples or mouth impressions from dogs to match with injuries on livestock.

Definition of Livestock: The definition is extended to include camelids such as llamas and alpacas, in addition to cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, etc.

Location Coverage: The offence now covers livestock worrying on public roads and paths, not just on agricultural land.

Financial Liability: Courts can now force offenders to pay the costs of seizing and detaining the dog (e.g. vet care, kenneling).

Owner Responsibility: Owners can be help responsible even if someone else was in charge of the dog, though defences exist if the dog was in charge of another person without consent.

What Constitutes “Worrying”

Attacking or chasing livestock in a manner that causes, or could cause, injury or suffering.

Being at large (not on a lead or under close control) in a field or enclosure where there are sheep.

“Worrying” now officially covers the immense distress, injury, or potential miscarriage (abortion) caused to livestock, even if the dog does not physically bite or make contact.

Usage Examples & Context

Scenario A: A dog chases sheep on a public footpath that crosses a field.  This is a criminal offense.

Scenario B: A dog runs loose among sheep on a road, causing them to scatter.  This is a criminal offense.

Scenario C: A dog damages an alpaca on a farm.  The owner faces an unlimited fine.