Published: 11/12/2025 By Beth Rutterford
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill, having passed the House of Lords on 5 December 2025 and now awaiting Royal Assent, will provide stronger safeguards for livestock owners against dog-related attacks.The Bill expands the definition of “livestock” to cover a wider range of animals and broadens “worrying” to include not only chasing and injuring but also causing stress, recognising the serious welfare and financial impacts on farmers.
A major change removes the previous £1,000 cap on fines, allowing courts to impose unlimited penalties proportionate to the severity of the offence. Police will also gain enhanced powers to collect evidence, supporting more effective enforcement.
Livestock owners are urged to report all incidents, ensuring authorities can accurately assess the scale of the problem and take decisive action. Once enacted, the Bill will give farmers the stronger legal protection they need to safeguard their animals and livelihoods.
For advice on these changes, please contact Beth Rutterford, Graduate Surveyor in our Devizes office on 01380 710535, or our experts in your nearest Symonds & Sampson office.
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