From 18th March 2026, dog owners and walkers will face new responsibilities following updated legislation aimed at reducing livestock worrying.
These changes reflect growing concern among rural communities. In 2025, 87% of sheep farmers experienced dog attacks on their flock. Rachel Hallos, Vice President of the National Farmers’ Union, commented that the new law “will make a real difference in safeguarding livestock and giving farmers greater confidence”.
For dog owners and walkers, understanding these legal changes is crucial to continuing to enjoy rural walks safely and responsibly.
What does “livestock worrying” mean?
A dog owner, or a person in charge of the dog, commits an offence if their dog worries livestock on any agricultural land.
A dog is considered to be worrying livestock if it:
- attacks livestock;
- chases livestock in a way that may cause injury or suffering; or
- is at large (not on a lead or under close control) in a sheep enclosure or field.
Being at large in a sheep enclosure does not apply to dogs owned by the field occupier or sheep owner. It also does not apply to police dogs, guide dogs, trained sheepdogs, working gundogs, or a pack of hounds.
Physical contact isn’t required for an offence to be committed. The definition of “livestock” includes sheep, cattle, pigs, horses – and, following recent amendments, alpacas and llamas. The rules apply broadly across agricultural land, including roads, paths, meadows, and grazing areas, making it more important than ever to be aware of the law.
Stronger Police powers and harsher penalties
The new legislation introduces tougher penalties and strengthens police powers to investigate livestock worrying.
Police now have the power to:
- issue unlimited fines for offences (previously capped at £1,000);
- seize and detain dogs they reasonably believe have attacked or worried livestock;
- collect from owners all expenses incurred from seizing and detaining dogs;
- obtain warrants to search for and collect samples from suspected dogs; and
- dispose of dogs if expenses are not paid within seven days.
How to stay compliant with the new changes
Dog owners can take simple steps to prevent livestock worrying and protect both themselves and their dogs:
- Keep dogs on a short lead when near livestock, especially during lambing or calving seasons. Even if you believe you are able to keep your dog under “close control” without a lead, remember that many people cannot do so, and so landowners and farmers are understandably likely to be nervous if they see your dog off a lead, even if it is walking to heel.
- Obey signs and landowner instructions, even on public footpaths that cross agricultural land.
- Ensure gardens are secure to prevent dogs escaping, particularly if your property is near farmland.
Our Landed Estates and Agriculture team at Payne Hicks Beach is dedicated to supporting clients with all rural and agricultural matters. We are ready to advise on the implications of these legislative changes and assist with any related issues or wider concerns.
For further information and advice on your landed estates and rural affairs, contact Rupert Burchett or telephone 020 7465 4300.
