🐾 New Dog Law Now in Force (March 2026) – What It Means for You and Your Dog
From March 2026, a new law has officially come into force across England and Wales aimed at protecting farm animals from dog attacks—and it’s something every dog owner should be aware of.
While most owners would never intentionally allow their dog to harm livestock, incidents do happen more often than people realise. This update strengthens existing laws and makes responsibilities clearer for anyone walking their dog in the countryside.
If you regularly walk your dog in or around Wigan, Leigh, Hindley or Pemberton, especially near farmland, this is particularly relevant.
⚖️ What’s Changed?
The updated legislation—The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, now in force from March 2026—introduces stronger penalties and wider powers to deal with incidents.
In simple terms:
- Fines are now unlimited, depending on the severity
- Authorities have greater powers to investigate and act
- The law applies even if a dog doesn’t physically attack livestock
👉 You can read the official government announcement here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/new-law-comes-into-force-to-protect-farm-animals-from-dog-attacks
🐑 It’s Not Just About Attacks
A common misunderstanding is that a dog has to injure livestock to be a problem—but that’s not the case.
“Livestock worrying” includes:
- Chasing animals
- Barking or causing distress
- Running loose in fields with livestock
Even brief incidents can cause serious harm, particularly during lambing season.
🌿 Why This Matters
For farmers, these situations can be devastating—not just financially, but emotionally too.
For dog owners, it’s about awareness. Many incidents happen simply because people underestimate how quickly a dog’s instincts can take over.
This law isn’t about punishing responsible owners—it’s about preventing avoidable situations.
🐶 Countryside Dog Walking Checklist
If you’re heading out for a walk in rural areas, a few simple steps can make all the difference:
✔️ Keep your dog on a lead near livestock
Even well-trained dogs can react instinctively.
✔️ Stick to marked footpaths
Avoid wandering into fields unnecessarily.
✔️ Watch for signage
Farmers will often warn when livestock are present.
✔️ Be extra cautious during lambing season
Animals are more vulnerable and easily stressed.
✔️ Keep recall strong—but don’t rely on it alone
A lead is always the safest option around livestock.
✔️ Pick up after your dog
Dog waste can also harm livestock and spread disease.
🦴 Managing Natural Instincts the Right Way
Dogs are naturally curious and many have a strong chase instinct—it’s completely normal.
The key is giving them the right outlets for that energy in a safe environment.
Providing:
- Natural chews
- Raw bones
- Enrichment through feeding
can help satisfy those instincts and reduce unwanted behaviours when out on walks.
At Woofingtons, we regularly see improvements in behaviour when dogs are given proper mental and physical stimulation through diet and enrichment.
📍 Supporting Responsible Dog Owners Locally
As a family-run business serving Leigh, Hindley, Pemberton and Wigan, we’re passionate about helping owners make informed, responsible choices.
Across our stores, we stock a wide range of:
- Natural dog treats
- Raw dog food
- Raw bones and long-lasting chews
All carefully selected to support your dog’s health and natural behaviour.
🏪 Visit Us In-Store:
Leigh (Main Store)
Unit E1, Leigh Trading Estate
Butts Street, Leigh, WN7 3EQ
Hindley
28 Butts Street, Hindley, WN2 3LQ
Pemberton
765–767 Ormskirk Road
Pemberton, Wigan
WN5 8AT
🐾 Final Thoughts
This new law, introduced in March 2026, is ultimately about awareness and responsibility.
Most dog owners already do the right thing—but a little extra care around livestock can go a long way in protecting animals, supporting farmers, and keeping your dog safe.
Combine that with the right diet and enrichment at home, and you’re setting your dog up for a healthier, more balanced life.