Farmers hail new law to tackle dog attacks

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

- STAFF REPORTER

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.

The legislation also modernises definitions of livestock and what constitutes an attack, reflecting changes in farming practices and patterns of dog ownership. For the first time, llamas and alpacas will receive the same legal protections as cattle, sheep, goats and poultry.