Dog owners across England and Wales are being warned about major legal changes coming into force next month that will strengthen penalties for livestock attacks and expand enforcement powers.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 will take effect on March 18, 2026, introducing stricter rules governing how dogs must be controlled around farm animals.

Under the updated legislation, dogs will be prohibited from alarming livestock, marking a significant update to laws that have remained largely unchanged since 1953.

Government officials said the reforms were introduced to better protect farmers and livestock keepers from financial and emotional harm caused by livestock worrying incidents.

Officials said: “The impact on livestock keepers can be devastating.”

They added: “They face financial loss as well as personal distress.”

The new legislation will apply only to England and Wales and will not affect Scotland.

Under the changes, penalties for offences will increase significantly, with fines rising from a previous maximum of £1,000 to unlimited financial penalties depending on the severity of the case.

The Government has also clarified that dogs do not need to make physical contact with livestock for an offence to be committed.

Officials said: “A dog does not need to make physical contact with animals to commit an offence under the new law.”

They added: “Chasing or disturbing livestock can cause harm.”

The guidance means dogs run towards or chase farm animals without touching them could still result in prosecution for owners.

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The legislation also introduces expanded enforcement powers for authorities investigating livestock worrying incidents.

If investigators have reasonable grounds to believe a dog poses a future risk to livestock, authorities will be able to seize and detain the animal.

This power will apply whether the dog is found outdoors or inside a private property.

Police will also be permitted to enter and search premises to identify dogs, prevent future incidents and gather evidence related to suspected offences.

Under the new rules, officers will be able to take forensic samples and impressions from dogs and affected livestock where attacks or worrying incidents are suspected.

The Government said these powers are designed to strengthen enforcement and reduce repeat incidents involving livestock.

Officials are continuing to encourage responsible dog ownership when visiting rural areas and farmland.

Government guidance states that dog owners should remain alert to surroundings when walking near livestock.

Officials said: “The Countryside Code advises that dogs should be kept on a lead around livestock.”

They added: “Always check local signs, as some areas require dogs to be on a lead all or part of the year.”

Guidance states that local requirements may vary depending on location, season and farming activity.

The Government has said the updated law is part of wider efforts to improve animal welfare and protect rural livelihoods.

The legislation comes as farming organisations and rural groups continue to raise concerns about the financial and welfare impact of livestock worrying incidents.

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