A leading Kent farmer believes a change in law is a 'huge victory in efforts to reduce dog attacks on farm animals after a shocking rise in the South East.
Police now have powers to take advantage of technological and scientific advancements when investigating incidents of livestock worrying and stronger penalties can be issued after a new amendment to The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act was passed.
The NFU has been lobbying for this change in legislation since 2019.
Livestock worrying cases up 137%
The welcome news comes at a crucial time, as new figures from rural insurer NFU Mutual reveal farm animals in the South East worth an estimated £330,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks last year, up 137% on 2024.
The rise has prompted the NFU, Kent County Council Trading Standards and Kent Police to join forces in urging people to keep their dogs under control near farm animals.
NFU Regional Livestock Board Vice-chair Hugh Richards, who farms near Ashford, said: “This change in the law is a huge victory for the farming community and will make a real difference for livestock farmers and their animals in Kent and across the region and the country.
“Attacks by dogs on livestock have devastating impacts on farmers, their families and their animals.
“The NFU has long called for tougher laws to reflect the seriousness of this crime.
“Through sheer persistence and support from MPs, Peers and the public, we have now secured a change that will make a real difference.”
Unlimited fines for livestock worrying
The maximum penalty for livestock worrying has been increased from £1,000 to unlimited fines.
Police can now detain dogs they suspect of worrying livestock where there is nobody present to accept responsibility and courts can order offenders to pay the costs incurred.
Incidents that happen on roads and paths are now against the law and llamas and alpacas are protected by the new law.
“We carry DNA kits so these allow us to swab animals which have been attacked so we are able to identify the dog responsible and to ensure appropriate action is taken.”
Sergeant Darren Walshaw, Kent Police's Rural Task Force
Enjoy the countryside responsibly
In addition to these changes, the NFU, Kent Police and Kent County Council Trading Standards are jointly highlighting the importance of keeping dogs under control near farm animals, and ensuring dog owners’ gardens are kept secure, by raising awareness in the media and on social media.
Mr Richards said: “I thank the majority of dog owners who enjoy the countryside responsibly.
“We will keep educating the public so everyone understands what their dogs are capable of and how quickly things can spiral out of control.”
Livestock worrying includes barking, chasing, biting and killing.
Incidents cause anxiety, miscarriage, and terrible injuries, often leading to euthanasia by a vet.
Keep pets on leads near livestock
Sergeant Darren Walshaw, from Kent Police’s Rural Task Force, said: “We remind owners to ensure their pets are always on leads when near farm animals.
“While most dog owners are responsible and do adhere to the signs and keep to footpaths, when attacks happen, they can lead to huge financial losses for farmers and are very traumatic to deal with.
“It is important to remember that should a farmer sight a dog on their land worrying their animals, they have the right to protect their livestock which can lead to fatal injuries to dogs.
“We carry DNA kits so these allow us to swab animals which have been attacked so we are able to identify the dog responsible and to ensure appropriate action is taken.”