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18
Mar
New livestock worrying laws welcomed in Nidderdale
New livestock worrying laws came into force today as lambing gets underway in Nidderdale.
The laws give police greater powers to tackle livestock worrying and increase the maximum penalty from a £1,000 fine to an unlimited fine.
Lambing is one of the most pressured periods in the farming year, with activity often continuing around the clock.
Any disturbance or chasing of any livestock can lead to financial losses, death of stock and real distress for farming families.
Iain Mann, manager of Nidderdale National Landscape, which is funded by government to protect the area of outstanding natural beauty, said:
This updated law reflects how much the countryside has changed since 1953; since then, livestock numbers in England and Wales have doubled and the countryside welcomes far more visitors with dogs than it once did.
Farming is at the heart of what Nidderdale is and how the landscape looks, and the people who work this land put everything they have into it.
The law now reflects that change. We hope everyone continues to enjoy the landscape with their dogs in a responsible manner under control and preferably on a lead.
What has changed?
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 came into force on March 18, 2026.
Police can now seize and detain a dog where there are reasonable grounds to believe it has worried or attacked livestock and hold it until an investigation is complete or any proceedings are resolved.
Officers can also take forensic samples and impressions from dogs and livestock to support a prosecution. The legislation now extends to cover incidents on roads and paths, not just in fields and enclosures.
Livestock worrying does not require physical contact. A dog chasing or disturbing animals can cause injury, miscarriage or lambs becoming separated from their mothers.
Nidderdale National Landscape is a working farmed landscape with an extensive network of public rights of way running through it, frequently visited by dog owners.
Sheep in a field at Grantley.
Sergeant David Lund, of North Yorkshire Police’s rural taskforce, said:
It’s a simple message, but it’s now more important than ever: keep your dogs on a lead around livestock.
Police officers in rural communities see first-hand the damage and suffering caused by dog attacks on farm animals. With this legislation, we will be able to continue to deal with these offences robustly.
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