Dogs in the countryside - what you need to know and changes to the law

Livestock Worrying Law Update in Britain

This page summarises the recent updates to the Protection of Livestock legislation which have come into effect from 18th March 2026, critical for all dog owners and walkers using the countryside.

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🛑 What Has Changed: Stronger Laws and Powers

Unlimited Fines

• The old fine cap of £1,000 has been removed. Courts can now impose unlimited fines reflecting the real harm caused.

More Animals Protected

• 'Livestock' now clearly includes Alpacas and Llamas, as well as sheep, cattle, goats, and pigs.

More Places Covered

The law now applies:

• In fields and enclosures.

• On public footpaths and rights of way.

• On roads and while livestock are being moved.

Stronger Police Powers

• Police can now seize and detain dogs, enter premises with a warrant, and collect forensic evidence (e.g., DNA).

⚠️ The Core Offence: Worrying vs. Attacking

Both 'worrying' and 'attacking' are criminal offences. Crucially, no injury or physical contact is required for 'worrying.'

Worrying Livestock

• Includes chasing, running at, harassing, causing fear or panic, or being loose and not under proper control among livestock.

• Stress is legally recognised harm and can cause miscarriages, exhaustion, broken limbs, and long-term fear responses.

Attacking Livestock

• Involves biting, grabbing, injuring, or killing.

✅ What "Under Proper Control" REALLY Means

The Definition: A dog is under proper control only if the handler can prevent it from worrying livestock at all times.

Key Control Requirements

• You must be able to stop the dog before it approaches livestock.

• You must prevent any chasing or rushing.

• Control must be maintained even if animals move or run.

• If the dog is stopped after it has approached or chased, control was already lost.

On a Lead

• Control requires the lead to be short enough for physical restraint and the handler to be paying attention.

• Flexi leads, long lines, or dragging leads in livestock areas are often not considered proper control.

Off Lead

The bar for off-lead control is very high.

• If a dog runs towards livestock, hesitates before recall, or comes back after animals flee, it is not under proper control.

• The dog’s temperament ("friendly," "well trained," etc.) makes no difference in law.

• Presence Alone: A loose dog among livestock can count as worrying even without a chase.

🔎 Evidence and Consequences

Evidence Now Accepted

Evidence may be physical and forensic. It includes:

• Injuries (including stress-related harm).

• Bite marks, blood, tissue, or DNA from the dog or livestock.

• Witness statements and livestock behaviour (panic, distress).

• A case does not need someone to witness the exact moment of chasing if evidence supports what happened.

Are Seized Dogs Killed?

• No, not usually. Dogs are not automatically destroyed under livestock worrying law.

• Seizure is primarily to prevent repeat incidents and to gather evidence.

• Courts focus on owner responsibility, and destruction orders are rare.

This law exists to protect animals who cannot escape or speak for themselves and to make expectations clear for everyone who shares the countryside.