Julian Smith MP has welcomed the passing of new legislation aimed at strengthening protections for livestock and supporting farmers and rural communities.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Bill 2025 has received final approval from the House of Lords and will now be sent for Royal Assent, after which it will become law across England and Wales.
The Bill updates the original 1953 legislation to reflect modern farming practices and current enforcement challenges.
The changes extend the offence of livestock worrying to include incidents that take place on roads and public paths, not just on farmland.
The definition of livestock has also been widened to include camelids such as alpacas and llamas.
Under the new law, penalties for offenders will increase, courts will be able to recover costs linked to the seizure and detention of dogs, and police will gain additional powers, including the ability to seize dogs that pose a continuing risk, collect forensic samples and enter premises under warrant.
The legislation also modernises terminology to better distinguish between attacks on livestock and other worrying behaviour.
Commenting on the Bill’s progress, Sir Julian Smith said:
“I am pleased that this important legislation has received final approval from the House of Lords and will now become law.
"Livestock worrying causes immense distress and financial loss to farmers, and these new powers will make a real difference.
“I pay tribute to the farming organisations and all those who worked tirelessly to secure these reforms, and I am proud that the Bill was introduced under the last Conservative Government.”
The new law is intended to address long-standing concerns in rural areas and provide greater reassurance to farmers and livestock keepers across England and Wales.
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