UK Livestock Worrying Law Has Changed — What Dog Owners Need to Know in 2026
It’s every responsible dog owner’s worst nightmare. You’re enjoying a countryside walk, your dog is happily off lead… and then suddenly you see them — cows, sheep, or horses up ahead. You call your dog back, and they don’t respond.
That heart-in-mouth moment isn’t just inconvenient or stressful for us. It can be extremely dangerous for dogs, livestock, farmers, and even people nearby.
This is why recent changes to UK legislation around livestock worrying really matter — and why all dog owners should understand what’s changed.
Changes to UK Livestock Worrying Law: What Dog Owners Need to Know
Recent updates to UK law have significantly strengthened protections for farm animals against dogs that worry livestock. The updated legislation, now passed and due to come into force in England and Wales, expands what counts as an offence and increases the consequences for irresponsible behaviour in the countryside.
In short: expectations on dog owners are clearer, and penalties are more serious.
What Is “Livestock Worrying”?
Livestock worrying occurs when a dog chases, attacks, or causes distress to farm animals. This includes sheep, cattle, goats, and horses — and under the updated legislation, also animals such as alpacas and llamas (camelids).
Crucially, physical contact is not required. If a dog causes fear, stress, or panic — for example by chasing or harassing animals — this alone can be enough for an offence to occur.
Key Legal Changes You Should Know
1. Unlimited Fines
The maximum fine for livestock worrying has increased from £1,000 to an unlimited fine. This gives courts the power to issue penalties that reflect the seriousness of the incident and acts as a much stronger deterrent.
2. Worrying vs Attacking Livestock
The updated wording now clearly separates worrying livestock from attacking livestock. This helps highlight the serious and violent nature of attacks, rather than grouping everything under one label.
This isn’t a new offence — both behaviours were already covered under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 — but the distinction is now explicit.
In simple terms:
Worrying includes chasing or causing fear and distress, even without contact
Attacking involves direct physical harm or injury
Both are taken seriously under the law.
3. More Animals Are Protected
The definition of livestock has been expanded to include species that weren’t previously explicit in the law, such as alpacas and llamas.
4. The Law Applies Beyond Fields
Livestock worrying isn’t limited to enclosed fields. Under the updated legislation, roads and public rights of way can also be places where offences occur.
5. Greater Police Powers
Police now have stronger powers to:
Seize and detain dogs believed to pose a risk to livestock
Enter properties with a warrant in serious cases
Take DNA or forensic samples from dogs and livestock
These changes aim to improve enforcement and accountability.
Why This Matters for Dog Owners
Livestock worrying isn’t just a “rural issue”. Many public footpaths cross farmland, and even brief incidents can have devastating consequences.
A short chase can lead to:
Severe stress
Injury
Miscarriage
Separation of mothers and young
Death of livestock
Farmers’ livelihoods and animal welfare are directly affected, and dog owners are now held to a much higher level of responsibility.
Practical Tips for Responsible Dog Walking
To protect your dog, livestock, and yourself:
Keep your dog on a lead near livestock, even if they’re usually reliable
Follow countryside signage — it’s there for a reason
Work on recall, but remember this can fail, particularly if they have not trained/been socialized around livestock.
Stay alert and avoid grazing areas if your dog is particularly high chase/prey drive.
If an incident does happen, take accountability. Report it immediately to the farmer or landowner and, if necessary, the police. Early reporting helps protect everyone involved.
What Dog Owners Should Do Next
These changes are a reminder that dog ownership comes with legal and ethical responsibilities, not just good intentions.
If you walk your dog in rural areas:
Be proactive about management (including keeping dogs on lead where livestock might be)
Undertake training around livestock to ensure your dog is calm and under control.
Stay informed about countryside laws, and be aware that grazing spaces rotate!
Understand that the consequences are now far more serious
Keeping dogs under control around livestock isn’t just about avoiding fines — it’s about safety, welfare, and respect for the animals and people who share these spaces with us.