Following concerted campaigning by the NFU that began in 2019, the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act was amended in March 2026 giving police greater powers with unlimited fines for dog owners if they are convicted.
By raising the issue with MPs and getting the issue of dog attacks on livestock raised in Parliament, the NFU was able to take members' concerns to the heart of government and get real, positive change made to help protect livestock farming businesses.
The amendment empowers police to take advantage of the technological and scientific advancements that have been made since the Act first passed into law in 1953.
