A New Leash on the Law - Tougher Rules for Livestock Protection Take Effect

DOG Owners take notice as the new Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 is coming into force across both:- England and Wales. Replacing decades old regulations, this updated legislation is a significant piece of legislation that modernizes the original 1953 Act. It was passed on:- 18 December 2025 and is scheduled to come into full effect on:- 18 March 2026.

The 1953 Act was widely considered:- "toothless" and outdated for the 21st century. The 2025 Amendment was driven by 3 main factors:- an alarming rise in attacks, the financial burden on the farming industry, and the fact that the original law hadn't kept pace with modern technology or farming.

The updated Act's primary goal is to address the rising financial and emotional costs of:- "livestock worrying" in England and Wales by giving Police in England and Wales more:- "teeth" to investigate and increasing the deterrents for irresponsible owners.

These changes were prompted by a sharp increase in both frequency of dog attacks on livestock and its increasing financial impact over the last 5 years, with 2025 reaching a near record peak.

Recent surveys by the National Sheep Association (NSA) show that 87% of sheep farmers experienced at least 1 attack in the last 12 months, that's up from:- 70% in 2023.

Across the UK, livestock attacks rose to £1.95 million in 2025, a 10% increase from 2024.

Within England, the Midlands was the most affected Region in 2025, costing:- £438,000)m, followed by the South East costing the farming community:- £330,000 in losses.

It is reported widely within the farming community that approximately 43% of attacks in 2025 were severe enough that farmers had to euthanise the injured animals, indicating a trend toward more violent incidents.

On Merseyside we have had several high profile attacks in the headlines that resulted in the death of livestock.  In late February 2025, a significant and widely reported livestock attack occurred at the Ainsdale Local Nature Reserve (Ainsdale Beach and Dunes) led to stricter enforcement of the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) within the area throughout 2025. In that incident 1 of the sheep had to be euthanised due to the severity of its injuries, which were confirmed by a vet to be puncture wounds consistent with a dog attack. 2 other sheep were seriously injured and required veterinary treatment, while a 4th is still missing.

This type of incident highlights why the changes have had to be made and that it affects people all over the UK, where livestock are located.

So, what's new within the uploaded rules?

1. Modernised Definitions & Scope...

The Act expands the legal definition of what counts as:- "livestock" and where an offence can take place:-

New Species - The definition now includes camelids (llamas and alpacas), reflecting their increased presence in modern British farming.

Wider Locations - Protection is no longer limited to agricultural land. It now covers roads and paths, acknowledging that many attacks occur when livestock are being moved or are near public rights of way.

In short, the new law now explicitly distinguishes between:- "attacking" and "worrying" (chasing or causing stress) to better reflect the severity of violent incidents.

2. Toughened Penalties...

The financial consequences for owners have increased dramatically to serve as a stronger deterrent:-

Unlimited Fines - The previous cap of £1,000 has been removed. Courts can now issue unlimited fines based on the severity of the case.

Recovery of Costs - Courts can now order an offender to pay for the expenses of seizing and detaining the dog (kennelling costs, etc.), which previously often fell on the taxpayer or the Police.

3. Enhanced Police Powers...

Under the updated laws Police in both England and Wales now have specific investigative tools that were missing from the 1953 Act. Under the changes Police Officers can apply for a warrant to enter and search premises to identify a dog involved in an incident or to seize evidence. They can also now!

Use Forensic Evidence - Police are empowered to take samples and impressions (such as:- DNA or mouth impressions) from a dog or from injured livestock to link a specific animal to an attack.

Seizure and Detain:- Officers can now seize and detain a dog if they have reasonable grounds to believe it has attacked livestock and poses a risk of doing so again.

4. New Defences...

The new legislation also has 2 new sections within it that helps both dog owners and farmers...

The 1st being:- 'Lack of Consent' - This part of the Act introduces a specific defence for dog owners if their dog was in the charge of another person without their consent at the time of the incident (for example:-if the dog had been stolen.) The 2nd change is worth noting that under this new law, physical contact with livestock is not required for an offence to be committed. This means if your dog chases livestock in a way that:- causes stress, injury, or abortion in pregnant animals, you could face prosecution.

It is also worth adding that in areas like the Ainsdale Sand Dunes have added protection rules might be used on top of the new national enforcement rules.

Within Sefton, the enforcement rules for Ainsdale Beach and the surrounding Sandhills are governed by 2 distinct Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) that have been significantly strengthened following the livestock attacks in 2025.

Dog walkers on Ainsdale Beach and its Sand Dunes on top of the new laws must also note that under:- 'The Coastal and Visitor Area PSPO 2025' and the:- 'Dog Control PSPO 2024 'set out specific legal requirements for dog owners:-

Mandatory Lead Areas - It is a criminal offence to have a dog off lead inside any conservation grazing enclosures (fenced areas) while livestock are present.

Following the attacks in 2025, over 80% of residents supported making this a strict legal requirement rather than just a recommendation.

Beach Exclusion Zones - From:- 1 May to 30 September, dogs are completely banned from the Beach area:- 200m either side of the main Ainsdale Beach entrance.

Disturbance of Wildlife - Under the PSPO and the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, it is an offence to allow a dog to disturb large flocks of birds or rare species like Natterjack Toads in the dune slacks (pools).

Penalties - Authorised officers can issue a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN) of:- £75 (reduced to £50 if paid within 10 days). Failure to pay can lead to prosecution in a Magistrate's Court with a fine of up to:- £1000.

Officer Directions - Owners must put their dog on a lead if directed by a Council Officer to prevent nuisance or:- "annoyance" to the public or livestock.

If you see any issues of livestock being attacked or chased, please contact the:- Merseyside Police Rural Crime Team.

In most cases regarding livestock attacks, you should use the official non-emergency channels unless a crime is currently in progress.

For immediate emergencies where an attack is happening or someone is in danger, dial:- 999.

For all other non-urgent reports or to provide information on past incidents, you can call:- 101 or use the dedicated:- "Report a Rural Crime" online portal on the Merseyside Police website. This online service is monitored by the same control room team that handles phone calls, and reports are typically reviewed within:- 72 hours.

If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling:- 0800555111.

When reporting, ensure you have the:- date, time, and location of the incident, along with any descriptions of dogs or owners involved, as this evidence is crucial for investigations under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025.