19/03/2026
🐾 Dog owners are being reminded to keep their pets on a short lead near farm animals as a new law protecting livestock comes into effect.🐑🐄
From today (18 March 2026) the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 gives police stronger powers to deal with livestock worrying - which is where dogs chase, attack, or distress farm animals.
It means officers can now:
🚔 Seize and detain dogs suspected of chasing, attacking, or worrying livestock — even if no owner is present.
🔍 Enter premises under warrant to recover evidence linked to an investigation.
🧬 Take forensic samples from dogs — such as DNA or dental impressions — to help identify whether a particular dog was involved.
We know that most dog owners are responsible but as we head into lambing season and busier times on the land we’re reminding everyone to be extra careful when walking their pets near livestock.
For more details see link in comments 👇
