Unlimited fines now possible for dog attacks on farm animals in Wales
A new law strengthening protections for farm animals against dog attacks has come into effect today across England and Wales, including Flintshire.
The maximum penalty for livestock worrying, which covers chasing, attacking or causing distress to animals on agricultural land, has risen from a £1,000 fine to an unlimited fine.
Police now have new powers under the law, including the ability to detain dogs suspected of worrying or attacking livestock, enter premises to gather evidence, and take DNA samples.
Courts can also order offenders to cover the costs of seizing and caring for a detained dog.
A survey by the National Sheep Association found that 87% of sheep farmers experienced a dog attack on their flock in 2024, with many reporting more than one incident in the year.
Research by the National Farmers’ Union put the total cost of livestock worrying across England and Wales at close to £2 million, a 10% increase on the previous year.
The government said the new law could save individual farmers around £6,000 a year in costs from replacing lost animals.
The law also extends to incidents on roads and paths, covering situations where livestock is being moved between fields or to a milking parlour.
The definition of livestock protected by the law has been expanded to include camelids such as llamas and alpacas, which are increasingly kept on farms in Wales.
A new defence has been introduced for dog owners where their dog worries livestock while in someone else’s charge without their consent, for example if the dog was stolen.
Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “Farmers can now have greater peace of mind knowing that proper penalties are in place for people who carelessly let their dogs worry livestock.
“Dog attacks have devastating consequences and this new law reflects the Government’s strong commitment to our farmers and animal welfare.”
The law applies to England and Wales.
Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own separate livestock worrying legislation already in place.
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