England and Wales’ updated livestock worrying regime takes effect today, 18 March 2026. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 introduces an unlimited fine on summary conviction and expands police powers to prevent and investigate attacks on farm animals. (legislation.gov.uk)
Under the Act, ‘attacking’ livestock is now addressed separately from ‘worrying’. The offence no longer applies only to agricultural land; it also covers roads and paths where livestock are being moved. The definition of protected livestock now includes camelids such as alpacas and llamas. (legislation.gov.uk)
Penalties have escalated. The previous statutory maximum fine of £1,000 has been replaced by an unlimited fine. Courts may also require offenders to meet reasonable expenses arising from the seizure and detention of a dog linked to an offence. (commonslibrary.parliament.uk)
Police powers now include the ability to seize and detain a dog when no owner or person in charge is identified at the scene, and to continue detention if there is a risk the dog could attack or worry livestock again. Forces must keep a public register of dogs seized in these circumstances. (legislation.gov.uk)
Investigative tools have been broadened: officers may take samples or impressions from a dog and from affected livestock where there are reasonable grounds to believe this will yield evidence-for example DNA-and, with a warrant from a justice of the peace, may enter and search premises to locate a suspect dog or evidence. (legislation.gov.uk)
Liability has been clarified. An owner is not guilty if, at the time of the incident, the dog was in the charge of another person without the owner’s consent-such as where the dog had been stolen or taken without permission. (legislation.gov.uk)
The Act applies to England and Wales only. It received Royal Assent on 18 December 2025 and comes into force three months later, on 18 March 2026. Scotland and Northern Ireland maintain separate livestock worrying legislation. (legislation.gov.uk)
Evidence from industry groups illustrates the scale of the problem. The National Sheep Association reports that 87% of surveyed sheep farmers experienced at least one dog attack in 2024, with many reporting multiple incidents. (nationalsheep.org.uk)
Insurer data indicate renewed cost pressures. NFU Mutual’s 2026 update estimates the UK cost of dog attacks on livestock rose by around 10% in 2025 to about £1.95 million, with the Midlands worst‑hit at an estimated £438,000 and the South East at £330,000. (farmersguardian.com)
Defra states that stronger penalties and investigative powers are intended to reduce both emotional and financial harm, and to give police the tools to act quickly. Ministers have also reconvened the Responsible Dog Ownership taskforce to advise on further measures. (gov.uk)
For practitioners, the immediate actions are operational: incidents should be reported and documented, with any available evidence retained for investigators. For dog owners, Defra reiterates Countryside Code basics-keep dogs under effective control and on a lead near livestock, follow local signs, and prevent escapes from home boundaries. (gov.uk)