Police urge dog owners urged to take extra care of their pets around livestock

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Members of the public found guilty of irresponsible dog ownership will face unlimited fines under updates to legislation designed to offer greater protection to sheep, cows, and other livestock. The updated law, which comes into effect on 18 March 2026, means that incidents occurring on roads and public paths will now be treated as offences, in addition to those occurring in fields or enclosures.

Livestock worrying is when a dog attacks, chases, or causes stress to one or more farm animals. Chasing, biting, barking or stalking causes the animals to panic and, even without physical contact, experience severe suffering which can lead to injury, death or the abortion of unborn lambs. Under the updated law, police officers will have wide powers to investigate and act on incidents of livestock worrying, including:

  • The ability to seize and detain dogs suspected of chasing, attacking or threatening livestock
  • Entering premises under a warrant to collect potential evidence
  • Take forensic samples from dogs (by collecting DNA or mouth impressions)

Devon & Cornwall Police’s Livestock Lead, Rural Affairs Officer PC Jules Fry, said: “Many dog owners may not be aware of livestock worrying laws or may think their dog momentarily chasing farm animals is harmless, but these incidents can cause animals to experience extreme stress, which can lead to pregnancy loss, injuries and fatalities.

“The best way to protect both dogs and livestock is for owners to keep their dogs on a lead anywhere near livestock, or where livestock could be encountered.

“The only exception to this would be if you are chased by cattle, in which case you should release your dog from the lead and move quickly and calmly away from the herd.”