A significant legislative change affecting all dog owners in England and Wales is set to be implemented from Wednesday, 18 March 2026. Under the new regulations introduced by the Labour Party government, dogs will face stricter restrictions to prevent them from alarming livestock across the countryside.
Enhanced Penalties and Enforcement Powers
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 represents a substantial update to the original 1953 legislation. One of the most notable changes is the increase in financial penalties. Previously, fines were capped at up to £1,000, but the new law removes this limit, allowing for unlimited fines in serious cases. This serves as a clear deterrent to irresponsible dog ownership.
Expanded Investigative Authority
In addition to harsher fines, the law grants investigators significant new powers to prevent and address incidents. Authorities now have the authority to:
- Seize and detain a dog if there are reasonable grounds to believe it poses a future risk to livestock.
- Collect samples and impressions from dogs or livestock to gather evidence of an offence.
- Enter and search premises to identify, seize, and detain dogs, or to collect other relevant evidence.
Impact on Livestock Keepers and Countryside Access
The government has emphasised that the reform is driven by the devastating impact that dog attacks can have on livestock keepers. These incidents often result in substantial financial losses and considerable personal distress for farmers and rural communities.
For dog owners, the government continues to encourage responsible access to the countryside. Key advice includes:
- Always be aware of your surroundings when walking near livestock.
- Understand that a dog does not need to make physical contact to commit an offence; merely chasing or disturbing animals can cause harm.
- Follow the Countryside Code by keeping dogs on a lead around livestock and checking local signage for specific requirements.
This legislative update aims to balance the enjoyment of the countryside with the protection of agricultural interests, ensuring a safer environment for both livestock and responsible dog walkers.
