“This Act will make a real difference in safeguarding livestock and giving farmers greater confidence,” said NFU vice-president Rachel Hallos, an upland beef and sheep farmer in the South Pennines, welcoming today’s changes. (nfuonline.com)

From Wednesday 18 March 2026, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 comes into force across England and Wales, updating the 1953 law. The reforms include an unlimited fine for livestock worrying and a suite of stronger police powers. (loc.gov)

Defra says the £1,000 cap has gone, officers can detain dogs believed to pose an ongoing risk, and courts can order offenders to cover kennelling and seizure costs. Police will also be able to gather evidence, including animal DNA, to help cases stick. (gov.uk)

The law now recognises how stock actually move in our region. Incidents on roads and paths count when animals are being walked to another field or the parlour, and the list of protected livestock has been widened to include camelids such as alpacas and llamas. (gov.uk)

The backdrop is stark. The National Sheep Association reports 87% of sheep farmers experienced at least one dog attack last year. NFU Mutual’s latest figures put the 2025 cost of livestock worrying near £1.95m, up 10% year on year - with the Midlands worst hit at an estimated £438,000 and the South East at £330,000. (nationalsheep.org.uk)

Closer to home, partners in the Lake District - including Cumbria Constabulary - say around 50 sheep‑worrying incidents are reported to police each year, and many more likely go unreported. It’s a reminder that even well‑behaved family pets can trigger chaos if off‑lead near flocks. (lakedistrict.gov.uk)

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle frames the change as giving farmers “greater peace of mind” and signalling a firm stance on animal welfare - a message likely to resonate from the Dales to the North York Moors as lambing peaks. (gov.uk)

For dog owners, the ask is simple: follow the Countryside Code, keep dogs under control and on a lead anywhere near stock, and if cattle charge, let go of the lead to protect yourself. Always follow local signs, and report any incidents to the farmer or police. (gov.uk)

For farmers, police advise reporting and recording every incident and preserving evidence. New powers to take samples or impressions - alongside the ability to detain dogs and recover costs - are designed to speed up investigations and deter repeat offences. (gov.uk)

Royal Assent was secured on 18 December 2025 after a cross‑party push; the law takes effect today, 18 March 2026. Expect early test cases this spring as forces apply the new powers across northern counties. (nfuonline.com)