Dog owners whose pets attack or chase livestock will now face unlimited fines. Ministers are moving to tackle a problem that costs farmers an estimated £1.8m a year and leaves thousands of animals injured or killed.
The Dogs (Protection of Domestic Animals) (Amendment) Act 2025 has received Royal Assent and strengthens existing domestic livestock concern legislation in England and Wales.
Maximum fines have been increased from £1,000 to an unlimited fine, and police have been given greater powers to intervene if dogs pose a continuing danger to livestock.
The scale of the problem is underlined by industry figures. A recent National Sheep Association survey found that nearly four out of five shepherds have had their flock attacked by a dog in the past year, and more than once.
Research by NFU Mutual published this year shows the total cost of livestock at concern across the UK in 2024 will be £1.8m, with the Midlands accounting for £452,000 of losses and £225,000 in the South West.
Under the updated law, police will be able to enter premises to secure evidence, including animal DNA, seize and detain dogs suspected of being involved in attacks, and investigate incidents more effectively. Courts also have the power to order offenders to pay the costs of capturing and caring for dogs taken into custody.
The Act strengthens and updates existing laws rather than creating new offenses, but it makes a clearer distinction between dogs that attack livestock and dogs that are concerned about livestock, to better reflect the seriousness of the incident.
We also extend protection to attacks that occur on roads and trails, recognizing that livestock are often vulnerable when moving between fields and milking areas. The definition of livestock has been expanded to include camelids such as llamas and alpacas.
Agriculture Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “Livestock concerns can have devastating consequences for farmers and their animals, with sheep, cattle and other animals often suffering severe injuries, trauma or even death.” He said the increased protections would “increase farmers’ confidence that their livestock will be safe and that incidents can be investigated quickly and properly.”
Aphra Brandreth, MP for Chester South and Edisbury, said she was delighted the bill had finally passed after a long parliamentary process, adding that it would give police “greater powers to deal with dog attacks on livestock” and bring real change to animal welfare and rural livelihoods.
Local activists say the changes are also aimed at preventing attacks before they happen by making dog owners more accountable. Hannah Binns, Rural Affairs Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “After many years of industry campaigning, we are delighted that this new legislation has received royal assent.”
She described this as “an important step forward in tackling dog attacks on livestock” and warned that “all dogs, regardless of size, breed or temperament, can chase, injure and kill livestock.”
He said even chasing a sheep could cause a miscarriage, and called on owners to act responsibly. “It is therefore important that dog owners act responsibly and always keep their pets on a leash in areas where livestock may be nearby to prevent unnecessary attacks,” she said.
Ministers said the harsher penalties and increased police powers were aimed at acting as a deterrent, easing the emotional and financial burden on farmers, and ensuring irresponsible dog owners were held accountable.
With fines now unlimited, farmers hope the law will finally curb a problem they say is becoming a normal and distressing part of rural life.
