Police Granted New Powers to Seize Dogs and Issue Unlimited Fines
New legislation coming into effect on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, will empower police officers to seize any dog, even if the animal has not committed any wrongdoing. This significant legal change coincides with forecasts of sunny weather, prompting experts to remind dog owners about the updated regulations as many head out for countryside walks with their pets.
Strengthened Rules Around Livestock Protection
The law enhances existing rules concerning dogs worrying livestock, extending police authority and clarifying that causing stress to farm animals, not just physical attacks, can constitute an offence. Carolyn Menteith of Tails.com has outlined practical steps for owners to walk responsibly around farmland this spring.
Carolyn explained: "The law has always been robust regarding dogs and livestock, but that doesn't stop dog attacks on sheep and other animals increasing year-on-year. The National Sheep Association surveyed their members last year, and an extraordinary 87% reported experiencing a dog attack on their sheep in the previous 12 months."
Understanding the Definition of 'Worrying'
The original legislation, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, was designed to protect livestock from 'worrying' by dogs, but few people understand what this term entails. According to the Act, 'worrying' is defined by:
- Attacking livestock
- Chasing livestock in a manner reasonably expected to cause injury, suffering, or, in females, abortion or reduced produce
- Being at large (not on a lead or under close control) in a field or enclosure containing sheep
Carolyn noted: "So just being in the same space as sheep with your dog off lead would mean they are 'at large' and breaking the law, even if they don't put a paw wrong."
Key Changes and Penalties in the Amendment
Carolyn said: "The amendment has come into place because there are more dogs than ever before, and more people are taking their dogs into the countryside, making a law from 1953 no longer appropriate."
Penalties for breaking this law have always been severe, but a key part of the amendment effective March 18, 2026, is the introduction of an unlimited fine, whereas previously it was limited to £1,000 in England and Wales. Scotland changed its law in 2021 to increase fines up to £40,000 and include 12 months imprisonment.
Police will now have stronger enforcement and investigative powers to identify dogs that have attacked livestock, and they can detain a dog if they believe it poses a danger. Additionally, clearer definitions around 'attacking' and 'worrying' recognise that causing animals stress is sufficient to injure or kill. The Act will apply on public roads and paths crossing farmland, and more animals, including llamas and alpacas, are now classified as livestock.
Preventing Dogs from Chasing Livestock
Carolyn advised: "For dogs unused to farm animals, sheep, cows, chickens, and llamas can be a fascinating novelty. Dogs are endlessly curious, and if they head towards these animals, sheep especially are likely to run, which can be tempting."
Chasing is a natural behaviour for dogs, regardless of breed or intent, whether out of excitement, play, or less friendly motives. It can happen in an instant. According to the National Sheep Association, 78% of people surveyed after livestock incidents assumed their dog wouldn't chase, with a quarter believing their dog had a good recall.
Carolyn emphasised: "We should train recall and work hard with our dogs to make it as good as possible, but we must be realistic. Dogs are not robots—no dog has a 100% recall. They are living, feeling, sentient creatures who make their own decisions."
She stressed that the responsibility for protecting livestock lies solely with the owner, not the dog. This means keeping your dog on a lead anywhere livestock might be encountered, even if none are visible, regardless of how good your dog's recall is.
Carolyn concluded: "You are not just protecting the livestock; you are protecting your dog. Every year, there are heartbreaking stories of owners whose dogs have been shot by farmers because they were worrying sheep or other animals. The legality of such actions is nuanced, but that doesn't matter if your dog is dead."
