RELEASE: PCC welcomes law changes to protect livestock

The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed new law changes designed to better protect livestock from dog attacks.

The changes, which come into effect today, make livestock worrying and attacking livestock separate offences, emphasising the violent nature of such attacks. Courts will now have strengthened powers, including the ability to seize and detain dogs involved in offences and to require offenders to pay the costs associated with their seizure and care. Penalties for dog owners found guilty of livestock worrying have also increased, with fines now unlimited, up from the previous maximum of £1,000.

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “It is important to recognise the impact dogs can have on both livestock and wildlife. These changes to the law will help deter offenders, encourage dog owners to act responsibly, and ensure that anyone who commits an offence is rightly punished.”

The reforms come as recent National Farmers’ Union (NFU) data revealed that farm animals worth £1.95 million were injured or killed by dogs in 2025 — a 10% increase on the previous year. A survey of dog owners also showed that one in ten admitted their dog has no reliable recall, and one in twenty admitted their dog had chased livestock.

The PCC added: “Dorset is home to a wide range of protected species. Chasing or disturbing wildlife — including deer and ground-nesting birds — is illegal and can cause lasting damage to local ecosystems. Responsible dog owners can help by keeping dogs on a short lead near livestock, sticking to public footpaths, and remaining especially vigilant during lambing season when animals are most vulnerable. Together, we can protect our beautiful countryside and all its residents.”

One Dorset farmer, who wishes to remain anonymous, said: “I welcome the new changes and hope they raise awareness among dog owners that they have a responsibility to keep their dogs under control or face the penalties. I often hear dog walkers say their dogs would never harm anything, only to see their pets’ chasing sheep, cattle, deer, or anything that triggers their natural hunting instincts. Simply put, if you are walking your dog in the countryside — or anywhere — it must be under control at all times.”

Sergeant Skinner of Dorset Police’s Rural Crime Team said: “While we appreciate most dog owners are responsible, we do sadly see a number of livestock worrying incidents in Dorset, particularly around this time of year.

“These incidents have both a financial and emotional impact on farmers in our rural communities and we welcome any additional powers to tackle offences of this nature.

“Our focus remains on preventing these incidents from happening in the first place. We continue to urge dog owners to be responsible and ensure your dog is on a lead whenever you are near livestock and that it is under control at all times.

“If your dog is involved in an incident, please do the right thing and report it to us, the famer or a vet immediately.”