11/03/2026
You, Your Dog and Livestock - Updates you need to know
If you walk your dog (s) near livestock are you aware of major updates to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 taking effect next week in England and Wales?
From the 18th March 2026, the rules are getting much tougher to allow farmers to protect their farm animals. Theses include:
➡Unlimited Fines: The previous £1,000 cap on fines has been removed—courts can now issue unlimited fines for livestock worrying.
➡No Contact Needed: A dog does not have to bite or touch an animal to commit an offence. Chasing, barking at, or "worrying" livestock is enough to lead to prosecution.
➡Beyond the Field: The law now covers incidents on roads, public footpaths, and tracks, not just in open fields.
➡New "Livestock": The definition has expanded to include alpacas and llamas, alongside sheep, cattle, pigs, and goats.
➡Stronger Police Powers: Officers can now seize and detain dogs suspected of worrying livestock and enter premises with a warrant to gather DNA evidence.
Keep your dog (s) on short leads if you have to walk near livestock - don't assume they won't chase. Under specific circumstances, a farmer in England and Wales is legally allowed to shoot a dog as a last resort to protect their livestock.