DEFRA confirms law change ‘now in force’ could see dog seized

DEFRA confirms law change ‘now in force’ could see dog seized New UK dog walking law 2026 also means huge new fine Officials have confirmed a new law is now in force which impacts all dog owners taking their pet out for a walk. Earlier this year the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs introduced a new law which is aimed at stopping dog owners allowing their pets to cause mayhem among livestock. The maximum penalty for livestock worrying has increased. Livestock worrying, occurs when a dog the person owns or is in charge of chases, attacks, or causes distress to livestock on agricultural land. The aim is to prevent livestock death and injury, which will save farmers thousands of pounds each year. The fine has increased from £1,000 to an unlimited fine and police now have powers to seize and detain a dog where they have reasonable grounds to believe it has attacked or worried livestock and that there is a risk it could do so again. The Moorland Association said the law means the dog does not even have to touch the animal. It said: “A dog does not need to make physical contact for an offence to be committed. Chasing, cornering, or simply being loose among sheep is enough. Livestock can be seriously harmed or killed by fear and stress alone, even without a bite or a scratch. Pregnant ewes are particularly vulnerable, the stress of being chased can cause them to abort. “The law now treats attacking livestock as a separate offence from worrying, making the violent nature of a physical attack explicit in the legislation for the first time.” The definition of livestock has also been expanded. It now includes: - Cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs - Horses - Camelids (llamas and alpacas) - Ostriches - Farmed deer - Enclosed game birds - Poultry Courts can also order offenders to pay the costs of seizing and detaining a dog during an investigation or court proceedings. Previously, those costs fell on the police or local authority. Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “Farmers can now have greater peace of mind knowing that proper penalties are in place for people who carelessly let their dogs worry livestock. “Dog attacks have devastating consequences and this new law reflects the Government’s strong commitment to our farmers and animal welfare.” Advice to dog owners: - Follow The Countryside Code when visiting these areas - Any dog is capable of livestock worrying - always keep dogs under control and in sight - It is good practice to keep dogs on a lead when walking in rural areas where livestock are kept, but let go of the lead if chased by cattle - Always follow local signs - Report any incidents of livestock worrying to the police or local farmers - Ensure dogs cannot escape from homes or gardens near livestock fields A survey of farmers from the National Sheep Association found that almost four in five (87%) sheep farmers experienced a dog attack on their flock in 2024. Many have reported multiple incidents. Recent National Farmers’ Union research found that the cost of livestock worrying has risen by 10% from the previous year. This has now reached almost £2 million. The midlands alone saw an estimated £438,000 worth of livestock harmed by dog attacks, followed by the Southeast at £330,000. DEFRA said police will now have greater powers and can investigate incidents more effectively. These powers include entering premises to secure evidence or animal DNA. Alongside this, courts will also be able to require offenders to cover the costs of seizing and caring for a detained dog.