Dog owners face unlimited fines for livestock worrying

Devastating impact of livestock worrying

Pregnant ewes suffering miscarriages, lambs separated from mothers and left to die from hypothermia, cattle stampeding in panic – these are the consequences of livestock worrying that new legislation aims to tackle with unlimited fines and expanded police powers.

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New law awaits Royal Assent

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act, which at the time of writing has passed both Houses of Parliament and awaits Royal Assent, extends the 70-year-old law beyond farm fields to include roads and paths where farmers move their stock. Courts can now impose unlimited fines, scrapping the previous £1,000 cap that many considered inadequate given the scale of losses.

Baroness Coffey, who steered the Bill through the House of Lords, told peers that livestock worrying had “devastating consequences for both animals and farmers, and it can be horrific, causing brutal injuries that are tragically often fatal”. She described instances of stress causing pregnant livestock to miscarry and the separation of mothers from young, “leading to hypothermia and starvation”.

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Rising costs to farmers

NFU Mutual figures show livestock worth an estimated £2.4 million were severely injured or killed by dogs in 2023, representing a nearly 30% increase from the previous year, though costs fell to £1.8 million in 2024. 

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Addressing the limits of the existing law

The 1953 Act already made it illegal for dogs to worry or attack livestock, but enforcement was hampered by limited police powers. Evidence collection relied on owners’ cooperation, and without eyewitness accounts, prosecutions were difficult.

The amendment Bill addresses both problems. Officers can now seize and detain suspect dogs and enter premises with warrants to collect evidence. That can include DNA, disturbed ground, damaged fencing or livestock behaviour showing panic or distress. Courts can order offenders to pay the costs of seizing and detaining dogs.

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What counts as “under control”?

The changes may catch out handlers who believe their pets are under control. Guidance published by the National Gamekeepers’ Organisation emphasises that dogs that run towards livestock, hesitate before recall or come back after animals flee are not considered under control, even if no chase occurs. “The law is about risk and stress, not intent,” the guidance warns.

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Government response

Defra Minister Baroness Hayman of Ullock told peers the legislation would “restore confidence among farmers and members of rural communities, many of whom live in fear of the devastating impact of such incidents”. She added: “The Bill is a truly meaningful step forward in our commitment to animal welfare and to those who work tirelessly to sustain our agricultural sector.”

The law maintains existing exemptions for dogs belonging to landowners and for working dogs. The Act will come into force three months after receiving Royal Assent.