Lancashire Rural Police has reminded dog owners of new legislation which could see their pets seized and owners face unlimited fines for incidents of livestock worrying.
Announced by Defra this week, the fine has increased from £1,000 to an unlimited sum and police now have powers to seize and detain a dog where they have reasonable grounds to believe it has attacked or worried livestock and there is a risk it could do so again.
March is the start of lambing time for many farmers, with sheep and lambs now a regular sight on farmland across across Lancashire. However, it also means the risk of sheep being attacked by dogs rises as a mixture of more livestock in fields and more people enjoying the outdoors gives rise to incidents.
A survey of farmers from the National Sheep Association found that almost four in five (87 per cent) sheep farmers experienced a dog attack on their flock in 2024, while Fulwood-based agricultural title Farmers Guardian has long campaigned on this issue with its Take the Lead initiative.
Back in February, Lancashire Police reported how a man from the Fylde was found guilty of allowing his dog to worry livestock and was fined £1,000. Orders were also made for costs, compensation, and victim surcharge.
And the force reminded dog owners again today that they could be liable for the increased fines and harsher sanctions in a social media post.
Announcing the new legislation, Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle said: “Dog attacks have devastating consequences and this new law reflects the Government’s strong commitment to our farmers and animal welfare.
“Farmers can now have greater peace of mind knowing that proper penalties are in place for people who carelessly let their dogs worry livestock.”
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