Walking Your Dog Near Livestock: UK Rules and Advice

When walking your dog near livestock in the UK, keep them on a lead and under close control, follow the Countryside Code and any local signs, and never let them chase or approach farm animals. In England and Wales it is an offence under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 for a dog to attack or worry livestock, and since 18 March 2026 the maximum penalty is an unlimited fine. If cattle or horses threaten you, let go of the lead and get to safety.

Here is what the law says, what changed in 2026, and how to walk through farmland calmly and safely.

What the Countryside Code says about dogs

The Countryside Code, published on GOV.UK, sets out how to enjoy the countryside responsibly in England. On dogs, it asks you to:

• Always keep your dog on a lead or in sight, and be confident your dog will return on command.
• Make sure your dog does not stray from the path or area where you have right of access.
• Keep your dog on a lead around livestock wherever you are, which the Code describes as good practice.
• Put your dog on a lead around livestock on open access land and at the coast, where this is a requirement.
• Keep your dog on a lead on open access land between 1 March and 31 July, even where there is no livestock.
• Check local signs, as some areas require leads for all or part of the year, and some ban dogs completely, except for assistance dogs.
• Always clean up after your dog and never leave bags behind.

The law on livestock worrying

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953

In England and Wales, if a dog attacks or worries livestock on agricultural land, or on a road or path, the owner, and the person in charge of the dog at the time if different, commits an offence. Under the Act as currently in force, worrying livestock includes:

• Chasing livestock in a way that may reasonably be expected to cause injury or suffering, or, for female animals, abortion or loss of or reduction in their produce.
• Being at large, meaning not on a lead or otherwise under close control, in a field or enclosure where there are sheep.

The Act distinguishes between attacking and worrying. There are limited exemptions to the rule about being at large near sheep, such as for police dogs, guide dogs, trained sheepdogs, working gun dogs and packs of hounds, and for dogs belonging to the farmer.

What changed in March 2026

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 came into force in England and Wales on 18 March 2026. According to the government's announcement, it:

• Raised the maximum fine from £1,000 to an unlimited fine.
• Expanded the definition of livestock to include camelids such as llamas and alpacas.
• Extended protection to roads and paths, for example when livestock are being moved between fields.
• Gave police new powers to seize and detain a dog they reasonably believe has attacked or worried livestock and may do so again, and to enter premises to gather evidence, including taking samples from a dog.
• Allowed courts to order offenders to pay the costs of seizing and caring for a detained dog.

Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own livestock worrying laws, so check local rules if you are walking there.

A farmer's right to protect livestock

The Countryside Code states that a farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock and may not be liable to compensate the dog's owner. In England and Wales, section 9 of the Animals Act 1971 sets out when someone who kills or injures a dog to protect livestock has a defence. In broad terms, they must be entitled to act for the livestock, the dog must be worrying or about to worry livestock with no other reasonable means of stopping it (or have been worrying livestock and remain nearby with no one in control and no way to identify the owner), and they must report it to the police within 48 hours.

The simplest way to avoid any of this is never to let your dog near livestock off the lead.

Practical advice for walking through farmland

Before you go

• Plan routes on public rights of way and check for fields likely to hold livestock.
• Be honest about your dog's recall and prey drive. Even a gentle dog can worry sheep simply by chasing them.
• Make sure your dog wears a collar with your name and address, as required by the Control of Dogs Order 1992, and that their microchip details are up to date.

In fields with sheep

• Put your dog on a short lead before you enter.
• Walk calmly along the edge of the field, keeping to the path.
• Leave gates as you find them.
• Pay extra attention in spring, when ewes and lambs are especially vulnerable.

In fields with cattle or horses

• Keep your dog on the lead and close to you, and give the animals a wide berth.
• Move steadily and quietly. Avoid getting between cows and their calves.
• If you feel threatened, the Countryside Code is clear: let your dog off the lead. Releasing your dog makes it easier for you both to reach safety. Do not risk getting hurt protecting them.

Choosing the right lead for country walks

A lead of standard length gives you close control through fields while still letting your dog walk comfortably. Our Signature Lead has a metal clasp and a comfortable handle, in 120cm or 170cm lengths. A long line is useful for recall training, but it should be reeled in or swapped for a shorter lead well before you reach livestock. Our dog lead length guide explains the options.

If something goes wrong

If your dog chases or attacks livestock, get them back under control as quickly and safely as you can. The government advises reporting incidents to the police or the local farmer.

For more on good habits in shared spaces, see our guide to dog walking etiquette in the UK, our dog walking checklist and our complete dog walking guide.

Frequently asked questions

Does my dog have to be on a lead near sheep?

In England and Wales, a dog not on a lead or otherwise under close control in a field with sheep counts as worrying livestock under the 1953 Act, unless an exemption applies. The Countryside Code advises a lead around all livestock.

What is the fine for livestock worrying?

Since 18 March 2026, the maximum penalty in England and Wales is an unlimited fine, up from £1,000. Police also have new powers to seize and detain dogs.

Can a farmer shoot my dog?

The Countryside Code states that a farmer can shoot a dog that is attacking or chasing livestock and may not have to compensate the owner. Strict conditions apply, including reporting it to the police within 48 hours.

What should I do if cattle chase me and my dog?

Let go of the lead. The Countryside Code advises releasing your dog if you feel threatened by livestock, so that you can both reach safety.