Dog owners in England and Wales could now face unlimited financial penalties if their pets are involved in attacks on farm animals. This significant change comes as part of a new Bill that has successfully passed through both Houses of Parliament.
Key Changes to the Law
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill will update legislation dating back to 1953. The most notable change is the removal of the previous £1,000 cap on fines for livestock worrying. This means courts can now impose unlimited fines on irresponsible owners.
Furthermore, the scope of protected animals has been broadened. Llamas and alpacas, known as camelids, are now explicitly safeguarded under the law, placing them on an equal footing with traditional livestock like sheep, cattle, goats, and poultry.
The law's geographical reach has also been extended. It will now cover roads and pathways, not just fields and enclosures, offering greater protection to farmers moving their animals.
Political Support and Farmer Reassurance
The Bill was steered through the House of Lords by Conservative peer Baroness Therese Coffey, a former deputy prime minister. She emphasised the devastating impact of such attacks, stating they cause brutal, often fatal injuries to animals and immense stress for farmers.
"Livestock worrying has devastating consequences, both for animals and farmers, and it can be horrific," Lady Coffey told peers. She highlighted instances where stress led pregnant animals to miscarry and where mothers separated from young faced hypothermia and starvation.
She described the Bill as a "straightforward way" to support farmers in their primary role of producing food. The proposal has received cross-party support, with Conservative peer Lord Colgrain calling it the "best possible Christmas present to all livestock owners."
New Powers and a Commitment to Welfare
Alongside the tougher fines, the legislation grants police new powers to seize dogs considered a risk for repeated attacks on livestock. This aims to prevent further incidents proactively.
Animals Minister Baroness Hayman of Ullock welcomed the move, stating the provisions would act as a strong deterrent. "The provisions will serve as a deterrent but also restore confidence among farmers and members of rural communities, many of whom live in fear of the devastating impact of such incidents," she said.
The Bill, which cleared Parliament on Friday 5 December 2025, now awaits royal assent before formally becoming law. Once enacted, it marks a major step in the government's stated commitment to animal welfare and supporting the agricultural sector.
