By Vet Mollie Kirkwood
Cumbria is one of the most striking areas of the UK and home to a huge population of sheep that enhance its beauty.
With Easter comes an influx of visitors out walking with their dogs and admiring the antics of thousands of newly born lambs. What many pet owners fail to realise is that dogs descended from wolves and their chasing gene can create havoc when their trusting owners give them too much freedom with defenceless sheep.
Last year the National Farmers Union reported over 80% of UK sheep farmers had experienced dog attacks. This cost a staggering £1.8 million, however the emotional cost to all concerned is unmeasurable.
To reduce this problem, The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act of 2025 has been enacted to strengthen the legal protections for sheep and other farm animals against livestock worrying. This law comes into effect in England and Wales on 18th March 2026.
Key changes to the law include:
- ‘Unlimited’ fines can be given for irresponsible dog owners found responsible for attacking
or chasing livestock. Fines are no longer capped at £1,000.
- Police have increased powers to investigate incidents which includes the authority to enter
premises and seize evidence or animal DNA from dogs suspected of attacking livestock.
- Extended scope: The law extends protection to include roads and paths to cover incidents when animals are being moved. Also, the definition of livestock has been expanded to include camelids e.g. llamas and alpacas.
Please follow responsible dog walking advice when roaming the countryside. Wherever possible choose livestock free walking. Avoid animal grazing areas even if your dog is on a lead. Training and restraining your dog is the best defence. Avoid letting your pet off-lead and teach them to ignore livestock.
Assume your dog will chase sheep. Instinct can take over in seconds. Any misbehaviour can stress sheep causing miscarriages or mismothering of lambs.
Always use a lead with no exceptions. Liken it to wearing a seat belt in a car. Lead by example and your actions could positively influence others by you being a role model.
Remember dog senses are very acute. Dogs can smell sheep from over half a mile away. If they react on instinct even the most well-behaved dog with normally excellent recall can ignore its owner with devastating consequences.
Please take action today and take responsible ownership of your pets. It is not their fault if they attack sheep. Cherish your pet and protect our farmers’ livestock.