The legislation, which comes into effect from the 18th of March, strengthens protections for livestock in the case of dog attacks.
Fines will jump from £1,000 to an unlimited amount. Owners could also face up to a year in prison and coverage has been extended to roads and paths. Camels and alpacas have also been included.
A welcome change for farmers
A survey of farmers in 2025 found that 87% of farmers had experienced a dog attack within the last year. And for farmers like Will Renner, this legislation comes as a welcome change.
"Every morning I come and check the sheep. I come over the hill and there is just something in the back of my mind - are they going to be alright? I've had three dog attacks in the last year - two in the spring where three lambs were killed," he explained.
The power to seize dogs
Police will now have the power to seize dogs if they feel they could pose a recurring risk to livestock.
"Fear and stress alone can harm livestock, and, in severe cases, cause them to die," explained DEFRA. Dogs should be kept on lead around livestock for the safety of both dogs and the animals around them.
