The 2026 Livestock Worrying Law Changes — What Dog Owners Need to Know | The Dog Training Company

Dog Law

One of the biggest changes affecting dog owners in 2026 is the update to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) legislation, which strengthens the powers authorities have when dogs worry livestock. If you walk your dog anywhere near farmland, this affects you.

Stronger Penalties

Courts now have the power to issue unlimited fines in the most serious livestock worrying cases. This applies when dogs attack, chase, or frighten livestock in fields — and critically, physical injury does not need to occur for an offence to be committed. Simply allowing your dog to chase sheep or cattle is enough.

Greater Police Powers

The updated legislation also gives authorities significantly more tools to act, including the ability to seize dogs suspected of livestock attacks, collect forensic evidence, and investigate incidents more thoroughly. These changes make enforcement far easier and are designed to deter irresponsible behaviour before an incident escalates.

The Countryside Code: Dogs on Leads

Between 1 March and 31 July, dog owners are strongly advised to keep dogs on a short lead of no more than two metres in many countryside locations. This period covers the wildlife breeding and nesting season, when ground-nesting birds — skylarks, lapwings, curlews, meadow pipits — build nests directly in grass and open fields. A dog running freely through these areas can destroy nests or cause parent birds to abandon eggs entirely.

Livestock Fields: What You Must Do

Local Dog Control Laws (PSPOs)

Alongside national legislation, many councils operate Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) — local rules controlling dog behaviour in parks, beaches, and town centres. These vary across the country and commonly include requirements to keep dogs on leads in designated areas, carry dog waste bags, and prevent dogs entering certain play areas.

On-the-spot fines are typically around £100, rising to up to £1,000 if unpaid. Check your local council's PSPO rules — they are different in every area.

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Why Livestock Chasing Happens

Most livestock incidents are not caused by aggressive dogs. They happen because of natural prey drive and excitement. A dog that behaves perfectly in the park can suddenly chase when confronted with sheep for the first time — the movement triggers instinct, the dog follows it, and the thrill of the chase becomes something they seek out again.

Once a dog learns the reward of chasing livestock, the behaviour becomes deeply ingrained and very difficult to stop without structured training.

The Real Risk for Dog Owners

Farmers are legally allowed to shoot dogs that are attacking livestock in order to protect their animals. This is a devastating outcome for any owner — and entirely preventable with proper training and control. Beyond that, the legal consequences of a livestock incident can include criminal charges, compensation for injured animals, court fines, and seizure of your dog.

Responsible ownership protects your dog as much as it protects the livestock.

The Training That Prevents This

Good training isn't just about obedience at home. It's about reliable control in real-world environments — including fields, farmland, and countryside walks where distractions are unpredictable and the stakes are high.

A strong recall means your dog returns immediately when called, even with livestock in view. A well-trained dog walks calmly on a lead without lunging, stays focused on you rather than on moving animals, and can be conditioned to remain neutral around livestock through structured exposure.

Most owners assume their dog would never chase livestock — until the moment it does. Training ensures that when the distraction appears, your dog still chooses to respond to you.