New UK dog walking laws 2026 'in force' - pets can be seized

Authorities have confirmed that a new piece of legislation has come into effect which affects every dog owner taking their pet out for a walk. Earlier this year, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs introduced new rules designed to prevent dog owners from allowing their animals to wreak havoc among livestock. The maximum penalty for livestock worrying has been significantly increased. Livestock worrying occurs when a dog that a person owns or is responsible for chases, attacks, or causes distress to livestock on agricultural land. The measure is intended to prevent the death and injury of livestock, which will save farmers thousands of pounds annually. The fine has risen from £1,000 to an unlimited penalty, and police now hold powers to seize and detain a dog where they have reasonable grounds to believe it has attacked or worried livestock and that there remains a risk it could do so again. The Moorland Association noted that under the new law, a dog does not even need to make contact with the animal. It said: "A dog does not need to make physical contact for an offence to be committed. Chasing, cornering, or simply being loose among sheep is enough. Livestock can be seriously harmed or killed by fear and stress alone, even without a bite or a scratch. Pregnant ewes are particularly vulnerable, the stress of being chased can cause them to abort. "The law now treats attacking livestock as a separate offence from worrying, making the violent nature of a physical attack explicit in the legislation for the first time." The definition of livestock has also been expanded. It now includes: Cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs Horses Camelids (llamas and alpacas) Ostriches Farmed deer Enclosed game birds Poultry Courts can also order offenders to pay the costs of seizing and detaining a dog during an investigation or court proceedings. Previously, those costs fell on the police or local authority. Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: "Farmers can now have greater peace of mind knowing that proper penalties are in place for people who carelessly let their dogs worry livestock. "Dog attacks have devastating consequences and this new law reflects the Government's strong commitment to our farmers and animal welfare." Advice to dog owners: A National Sheep Association survey revealed that nearly four in five (87%) sheep farmers suffered a dog attack on their flock in 2024, with many reporting several incidents. Recent research by the National Farmers' Union found that the financial impact of livestock worrying has climbed by 10% compared to the previous year, now reaching almost £2 million. The Midlands alone recorded an estimated £438,000 worth of livestock harmed by dog attacks, with the Southeast following closely behind at £330,000. DEFRA confirmed that police will now be equipped with stronger powers to investigate incidents more thoroughly, including the ability to enter premises to gather evidence or obtain animal DNA. In addition, courts will be empowered to require offenders to meet the costs of seizing and caring for a detained dog.