The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 represents the most significant update to livestock worrying laws in over 70 years. Enacted on 18 December 2025, the Act updates the original 1953 Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act, bringing it in line with today’s farming practices, dog ownership trends and policing capabilities. The Act comes into force on 18 March 2026.
This article breaks down the key changes, why they matter, and what they mean for dog owners, farmers, and rural communities.
Why the Law Needed Updating
The original 1953 Act was written for a very different countryside. Since then:
- Dog ownership has increased dramatically.
- Public access to farmland has expanded.
- Livestock numbers have increased dramatically with new types of livestock such as alpacas and llamas becoming common.
- The South West saw an estimated £225,000 worth of livestock harmed by dog attacks in 2025.
Key Changes Introduced by the 2025 Act
Below is a breakdown of the most important reforms.
1. Updated Definitions
- Expanded livestock categories: The Act now includes alpacas and llamas, within the legal definition of livestock.
- Clearer definition of “attack” and “worrying”: The law now reflects modern farming practices and the reality that stress alone can injure or kill livestock.
2. Incidents on Roads and Paths Now Covered
Previously, livestock worrying offences only applied when dogs were physically in fields with livestock. The amendment extends the offence to roads and public paths where livestock may be present.
- roadside livestock worrying: This closes a major loophole that often prevented prosecution.
3. New Exemptions for Dog Owners
A dog owner is no longer automatically liable if their dog was under someone else’s charge at the time of the incident, provided certain conditions are met.
- owner liability exemptions: This protects responsible owners while still ensuring accountability for example if a dog had been stolen or taken without permission.
4. Stronger Enforcement Powers
Authorities now have enhanced powers to investigate suspected offences, including:
- seizure and detention of dogs
- collection of samples and impressions (e.g., DNA, footprints)
- expanded powers of entry to premises where a dog may be kept
These changes give police and inspectors the tools needed to gather evidence effectively, something the 1953 Act lacked.
What This Means for Dog Owners
The message is simple: keep your dog under control around livestock at all times. However, the law is not designed to restrict responsible dog walking.
Dog owners should be aware that:
- A dog does not need to make physical contact to commit an offence – chasing or causing stress is enough.
- Police now have greater authority to intervene if a dog is suspected of posing a risk.
- Fines can be unlimited and dogs may be detained.
What This Means for Farmers
Farmers have long called for stronger protection. The 2025 Act delivers by:
- Expanding the types of animals protected.
- Making it easier to investigate and prosecute offences.
- Closing loopholes that previously hindered enforcement.
This should reduce financial losses and improve animal welfare across the agricultural sector.
A Modern Law for a Modern Countryside
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 represents a landmark shift in rural legislation. It balances the rights of dog owners with the needs of farmers, strengthens enforcement and acknowledges the realities of today’s countryside.
As rural access continues to grow, this legislation provides a clearer, fairer framework for preventing harm and resolving incidents.
Legal services for farming families
At Goughs we have a long history of acting for a wide range of clients within the agricultural sector both within the South West and beyond. We act for farmers and rural land owners both as individuals and businesses.
