NFU Cymru has welcomed a new law giving police and courts greater powers to tackle livestock worrying and dog attacks on farm animals.

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, which will operate across England and Wales, provides clearer powers for police to seize and detain dogs suspected of involvement in an incident or considered to pose an ongoing threat to livestock.

Thanks to significant technological and scientific advancements, officers can now take DNA samples or mouth impressions from dogs suspected of worrying livestock. The law allows these powers to be applied to incidents that occurred before the bill was passed into law in December 2025.

The act also gives courts the ability to impose unlimited fines and even prison sentences on owners in the most serious cases, a move welcomed by farmers and farming organisations across Wales.

Figures released by NFU Cymru’s partners at NFU Mutual last month showed farm animals in Wales worth an estimated £385,000 were severely injured or killed in dog attacks last year, up 23 per cent on 2024.

NFU Cymru said the new law now in force represents the culmination of a long campaign. The union, alongside NFU in England, has been lobbying MPs and Peers since 2019 to secure changes in the House of Commons and the House of Lords. The legislation has been described as a “historic win” for farmers in England and Wales.

NFU Cymru President Abi Reader said: “Attacks by dogs on livestock have devastating impacts on farmers, their families and their animals. That’s why the NFU has long called for tougher laws to reflect the seriousness of this crime, including wider powers for police and increased penalties for irresponsible dog ownership.

“I believe these new powers will act as a strong deterrent and will make a real difference to safeguarding our livestock and giving farmers greater confidence that irresponsible dog owners will be held to account.”

Ms Reader continued: “The previous £1,000 cap on fines for these offences was not fit for purpose in many instances, but particularly so in cases where it was pedigree stock with strong genetics and long-lasting blood lines, so these new powers mean that farmers will no longer be the ones suffering the emotional and financial toll of this crime."

Alongside enforcement, police, countryside organisations, and industry bodies are raising awareness of the new law through a series of public engagement activities.

Dog owners visiting the countryside can help protect livestock by keeping dogs on a lead when walking near farm animals, although it is advised to let go of the lead if they are chased by cattle. Owners should remember that all dogs, regardless of size, breed, or temperament, can cause distress, injury, or even death to farm animals. Any attacks or worrying incidents should be reported promptly to the police or local farmers. Dogs should never be left unsupervised in gardens near livestock fields, as many attacks happen when dogs escape and chase sheep grazing nearby.