Dog owners in England and Wales could soon face unlimited fines and risk losing their pets under new legal reforms aimed at better protecting farm animals, the BBC reports. report.
The updated rules have attracted widespread attention as authorities deal with an increase in incidents of dogs attacking or harassing livestock.
Nearly £2 million ($2.7 million) worth of livestock was seriously injured or killed by dogs in 2025, a 10% increase on the previous year, according to NFU Mutual.
The changes are one of the biggest updates to “livestock of concern” laws in decades, giving police and courts greater powers.
Dog owners whose pets attack or chase livestock will now face unlimited fines, replacing the previous cap of 1,000 pounds ($1,328).
Police will also have the power to seize dogs, collect DNA evidence and enter homes to investigate suspicious incidents.
The law further expanded protections to include animals such as alpacas and llamas, reflecting shifts in modern agricultural practices.
For many, these changes are long overdue.
Farmer Joshua Gay recalled that about 35 ewes and lambs were lost in an incident involving a free-roaming dog.
“Some people were mauled to death by dogs. Others were driven into deep thorns and bushes so they couldn’t escape and were basically baked to death in 30-degree Fahrenheit (86-degree Fahrenheit) temperatures while wearing woolen sweaters, like an oven,” he told the BBC.
In addition to the immediate loss of animals, these events can disrupt local food systems and cause economic losses that ripple throughout rural communities.
Experts note that many attacks occur when dogs are off-leash and unfamiliar with livestock, especially during the warmer months when more people are out in the countryside.
Guy added: “Owners think they know their dogs, but that instinct takes over.”
Supporters argue that stricter rules are crucial to preventing further harm.
Dr Anna Muir, a dog behaviorist, said: “I absolutely support unlimited fines for irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to run loose uncontrolled, who let their dogs run around on leads in sheep paddocks and who make no effort to reduce dog chasing of livestock,” said dog behaviorist Dr Anna Muir, according to the BBC.
However, she warned that even responsible dog owners could be “caught” when encountering livestock on public roads.
Therefore, she stresses, keeping dogs on a leash in areas with livestock remains the safest option.
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