Rural Affairs Officers Welcome New Law to Tackle Livestock Attacks

Rural affairs officers have welcomed a new law that will significantly strengthen action against livestock attacks by dogs, including unlimited fines for irresponsible owners.

The updated Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 was passed through Parliament on 18th December 2025 and will come into effect on 18th March 2026. The changes are designed to offer greater protection for sheep, cows and other farm animals.

What the law changes

Under the updated legislation, alpacas and llamas are now formally recognised as livestock. Incidents involving dogs on roads and public paths will also be treated as offences, alongside those that occur in fields or enclosures.

Livestock worrying is defined as a dog attacking, chasing or causing stress to one or more farm animals. This includes chasing, biting, barking or stalking. Even without physical contact, these actions can cause severe stress, leading to injury, death or the abortion of unborn lambs.

Owners found guilty of irresponsible dog ownership will now face unlimited fines.

New powers for police

The updated law gives police officers wider powers to investigate incidents of livestock worrying. These include the ability to seize and detain dogs suspected of chasing, attacking or threatening livestock, entering premises under a warrant to collect evidence, and taking forensic samples from dogs such as DNA or mouth impressions.

Devon & Cornwall Police Livestock Lead and Rural Affairs Officer PC Jules Fry said many dog owners may not realise the seriousness of livestock worrying or believe a brief chase causes no harm.

He said: “Many dog owners may not be aware of livestock worrying laws or may think their dog momentarily chasing farm animals is harmless, but these incidents can cause animals to experience extreme stress, which can lead to pregnancy loss, injuries and fatalities.

“The best way to protect both dogs and livestock is for owners to keep their dogs on a lead anywhere near livestock (or where livestock could be encountered).

“The only exception to this would be if you are chased by cattle; in which case, you should release your dog and move quickly and calmly away from the herd.”

PC Jules Fry added: “The changes in the new bill will bring stronger powers which will allow us to thoroughly investigate incidents of livestock worrying and to take action against irresponsible owners whose dogs are proven to have caused harm to innocent animals.”

Scale of the problem

A recent survey by the National Sheep Association found that almost 87% of sheep farmers experienced one or more dog attacks on their flock in 2024. A report published by the National Farmers Union estimated that livestock worrying incidents cost the industry almost £1.8 million.

Bodmin event to raise awareness

As part of ongoing efforts to tackle livestock worrying, the Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Affairs team is holding an educational event for farmers living in and around Bodmin.

Braunton based farmer and star of The Sheep Show, Trevor Wayborn, will attend as a guest speaker.

He said: “Sadly, attacks on livestock happen often. Even the most friendly and well-trained dogs have a natural instinct to chase, and we know that as we’ve been victims of livestock attacks ourselves in the past.

“I’m pleased to be working with officers from the Rural Affairs team to raise awareness about livestock worrying, so that we can work together with other farmers and members of the public to reduce the number of animals attacked by dogs in Devon and Cornwall.”

The event takes place on Wednesday 4th February at 7pm at Blisland Village Hall. Anyone wishing to attend can book a place by filling in this online form.

For the latest rural crime prevention advice, people can also follow the Devon & Cornwall Police Rural Affairs team on Facebook.

📷Pictured: dog on lead in livestock field