Police team issues warning to dog owners over livestock worrying

The call follows a revised law that came into force which could see dog owners face unlimited fines for sheep worrying.

The new law changes also allow police officers to seize and detain dogs.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 is designed to allow police stronger enforcement powers and let courts deliver higher penalties to tackle this continuing issue.

The offence of “worrying” doesn’t require physical contact – chasing, running at or causing panic to livestock are all forms of worrying.

A police spokesperson said: “Unfortunately, with the spring-like weather, we have started to now see an increase in reports of livestock worrying and attacks by dogs on sheep and lambs.

“Every year, thousands of farm animals are killed or injured by dog attacks. Figures also suggest at least one dog a week is shot because of livestock attacks.

“OpRecall is the national operation raising awareness around livestock worrying and attacks, and stands for Responsibility; Education; Control; Accountability; Livestock; and Livelihood.

“Simply put – your dog is your responsibility!

“You must put measures in place to keep your dog under proper control when near livestock (Is the lead strong enough, is your fencing up to the job?)

“If you allow children or young people to walk your dog, are they strong enough to hold it if it pulls harshly?

“You should never allow your dog to be in a position where it could worry livestock.

“We will be out and about in the coming months to raise awareness around OpRecall.”

The new law changes include:

•Fines increased from £1,000 to unlimited

•Definition of livestock expanded to include camelids (such as alpacas and llamas)

•Locations for the offence have been broadened to include public paths, roads and bridleways

•Increase of police powers to detain dogs responsible for attacking or worrying livestock

•Ability to obtain warrants to enter premises and search to seize, detain or take samples from dogs