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New UK Livestock Laws for Dog Owners & What does "under control" really mean?


Dog owners face new responsibilities with recent changes to livestock laws. These laws aim to protect farm animals while ensuring dog owners understand what these new laws mean and what they have to train in order to keep their dog safe.. One key concept in these laws is what it means for a dog to be "under control." This post explains the updated livestock laws affecting dog owners and clarifies the meaning of "under control" to help you keep your dog safe and avoid legal trouble.




Eye-level view of a dog on a rural farm path near livestock fencing
Dog Chasing a Sheep - Photo Credit Ulster Farmers' Union

What Are the New Livestock Laws for Dog Owners?


Recent changes to livestock laws focus on preventing dogs from worrying or harming farm animals such as sheep, cattle, and poultry. These laws have now extended to any livestock or animal and includes horses, goats, alpacas and more. These laws vary by region but share common goals:


  • Protect livestock from attacks or disturbances caused by dogs

  • Hold dog owners accountable for their pets’ behaviour around farms

  • Encourage responsible dog ownership near rural and farming areas


Key Changes to Know

  • Stricter penalties & fines for dog attacks on livestock: Fines and legal consequences have increased for owners whose dogs injure or kill farm animals. Fines are no longer limited to £1000

  • Extends to covering all locations, not just farm land: Incorporates any worrying or attacks that happen on roads, open grazing land and public footpaths.

  • Worrying livestock is separate from Killing or Harming Livestock & both are defined as criminal offences: Your dog does not need to have bitten or even touched livestock for it to be considered a criminal offence. If your dog so much as spooks or causes livestock to flee, it is considered "worrying"

  • Expanded definition of livestock: The laws now include a wider range of animals, such as alpacas and goats.

  • Mandatory reporting: Dog owners must report any incidents involving their dog and livestock to authorities.

  • Leash and control requirements: Dogs must be kept on a leash or under effective control when near livestock, even on public footpaths crossing farmland. If your dog does not recall IMEDIATELY, hesitates before recalling or is fixating on livestock and not able to listen to verbal cues, they are not under proper control.

  • The Police have more powers: The police can now enter your premesis to seize and detain dogs that have worried livestock, they can take evidence and forensics from your dog to build a case and you can be prosecuited and in some cases your dog destroyed.


Why These Changes Matter

Livestock attacks by dogs cause serious harm and economic loss to farmers. A single dog can injure multiple animals, leading to stress, injury, or death. Similarly, a dog worrying livestock can cause a pregnant animal to abort their young. These laws aim to reduce these incidents by making dog owners more responsible and aware of their dogs’ behavior around farms.


What Dog Owners Need to Look Out For

If you live near or visit rural areas with farms, you need to be aware of how these laws affect you. Here are practical tips to help you comply:


  • Keep your dog on a leash near livestock: Even if your dog is usually well-behaved, a sudden chase instinct can cause harm.

  • Know the local rules: Some areas have specific restrictions or designated dog-free zones. Some areas will require your dog to be wearing a lead.

  • Avoid letting your dog roam freely in farming areas: Unsupervised dogs can easily disturb or attack animals. Do not allow your dog to stray out of sight while on walks in rural areas.

  • Report any incidents immediately: If your dog injures livestock, notify the farmer and local authorities without delay.

  • TRAIN YOUR DOG AROUND LIVESTOCK WITH A PROFESSIONAL TRAINER - Desensitise your dog to livestock ASAP and make sure you have control. Leads can fail, good training won't!


Understanding What "Under Control" Means for Dogs

The phrase "under control" appears frequently in livestock laws but can be confusing. It does not always mean your dog must be on a leash, however a lead enables you to have physical control of your dogs' proximity to you.

Under Control refers to your ability to manage your dog’s behaviour effectively to prevent harm or disturbance. Under control is your dogs responsiveness to verbal commands even in the presence of other dogs, people, animals and in any environment.


What is considered when we talk about a dog being "Under Control"...

  • Immediate recall: Your dog returns to you promptly when called on the first try. If you repeat your recall more than twice, you do not have control.

  • Obedience to commands: Your dog listens to commands in any environment and around any distraction.

  • No chasing or threatening behaviour: Your dog does not run after or scare livestock or does not run over to other dogs or people,

  • Close proximity: Your dog stays near you and does not wander off. You must be able to sustain a close and focussed heel passed any distractions for your off lead dog to be considered under control.


When Is a Leash Required?

In many cases, a dog is considered under control if it responds reliably to commands off-leash. However, near livestock, some laws require dogs to be on a leash regardless of training. Always check local regulations.

If you are dubious about your dogs ability to listen while around livestock, ALWAYS use a leash!!


Why Is This Important?

If your dog is not under control, you risk legal penalties and endangering animals. Being able to control your dog protects livestock, other people, and your dog itself from accidents or injury.


What Happens If Your Dog Is Not Under Control?


By this new law, If your dog attacks or disturbs livestock, you may face:


  • Massive Fines or legal charges

  • Your dog can be seized by police and you will be prosecuted as the owner.

  • Compensation claims from farmers for injured animals

  • Orders to keep your dog on a leash or away from certain areas - Your dogs off lead freedom could be taken away permanently and legally.

  • In severe cases, your dog may be seized or destroyed.



Summary


The new livestock laws place clear responsibilities on dog owners to protect farm animals. Keeping your dog "under control" means more than just holding a leash; it means ensuring your dog listens, stays close, and does not threaten livestock. By following these guidelines, you help keep rural areas safe for everyone and avoid costly legal issues.


If you live near farms or enjoy countryside walks, take time to train your dog and learn local rules. Responsible dog ownership benefits your dog, the farming community, and the wider environment.



 
 
 

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