Welcome for new law toughening up on dog attacks on livestock

THE Farmers' Union of Wales (FUW) has welcomed new legislation that strengthens protections for farm animals in Wales and England against dog attacks.

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FUW regional vice president Anwen Hughes: "This important legislation represents a long-overdue step forward"

Under the changes announced just before Christmas, the previous £1,000 cap on fines for livestock worrying in Wales and England will be removed, paving the way for unlimited fines, and police given powers to detain dogs believed to pose an ongoing threat to livestock.

A number of key reforms are included as part of the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, including wider police powers to seize and detain dogs suspected of attacking livestock. Police will also be able to obtain warrants to access the homes of owners of animals suspected of an offence, strengthening the ability to gather evidence and support prosecutions.