Summary
New laws in England and Wales will enforce unlimited fines and allow authorities to take dogs away if they attack farm animals. The laws also give police greater powers to collect DNA from suspect dogs and prosecute incidents on public roads. These changes aim to better protect livestock and educate dog owners about the risks their pets might pose.
Key Facts
- Dog owners in England and Wales face unlimited fines if their pets attack livestock.
- Police can now take DNA from dogs suspected of attacking farm animals.
- The law covers incidents on public roads, not just private farmland.
- Livestock protected by the law now includes animals like llamas and alpacas.
- The National Sheep Association reports 87% of farmers experienced dog attacks on their sheep in the past year.
- The changes were made under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025.
- Authorities can seize dogs believed to be a threat to livestock.
- Courts can order offenders to pay the costs of seizing and detaining their dogs.
