The law aims to prevent livestock death and injury, which will save farmers thousands of pounds each year. As of March 18, 2024, a new law has come into effect in England and Wales to protect farm animals from dog attacks. This legislation is a response to alarming statistics indicating that 87% of sheep farmers experienced a dog attack on their flock in 2024.
Under the new law, the maximum penalty for livestock worrying has increased from £1,000 to an unlimited fine. Additionally, police now have the authority to seize and detain a dog that has attacked or worried livestock, providing farmers with greater peace of mind. Dame Angela Eagle stated, “Farmers can now have greater peace of mind knowing that proper penalties are in place for people who carelessly let their dogs worry livestock.”
The financial impact of livestock worrying has also escalated, with costs rising by 10% from the previous year, reaching almost £2 million. The Midlands alone saw an estimated £438,000 worth of livestock harmed by dog attacks, while the Southeast reported around £330,000 in damages.
The law extends protection to incidents that occur on roads and paths, and the definition of livestock now includes camelids such as llamas and alpacas. Farmers are encouraged to report, record, and retain information about livestock worrying incidents to aid in enforcement.
In light of these developments, the Responsible Dog Ownership taskforce has been reconvened to provide recommendations on responsible dog ownership practices. This initiative aims to foster better relationships between dog owners and farmers, ultimately reducing the number of incidents.
As the situation evolves, observers anticipate that these measures will lead to a decrease in dog attacks on livestock, benefiting both farmers and responsible dog owners alike. The agricultural community remains hopeful that the new law will effectively address the growing concerns surrounding livestock safety.
In a related cultural note, the O’Donovan brothers recently released an album titled ‘Pull Like A Dog’, which has been described as a strong contender for Album Of The Year by Angela English.