Guide to the New UK Livestock Laws for Professional Dog Walkers
- Tori Lynn Crowther
- Feb 23
- 6 min read
Guide to the New UK Livestock Laws for Professional Dog Walkers
(Effective March 2026 – England and Wales)
1. What Has Changed in the Law?
From 18 March 2026, amendments to the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953 strengthen and modernise the existing livestock worrying legislation in England and Wales.
The updated law expands definitions, increases enforcement powers and removes previous limits on fines.
What Now Counts as an Offence
A dog commits an offence if it:
Attacks livestock
Chases livestock
Stalks livestock
Frightens livestock
Causes stress, injury, miscarriage, death or loss of produce
Importantly, the dog does not need to physically touch the livestock for an offence to occur. Chasing or causing stress alone can be sufficient.
What Animals Are Covered
“Livestock” includes:
Sheep
Cattle
Goats
Pigs
Horses
Poultry (chickens, ducks, geese, turkeys)
Alpacas and llamas
The clarification around camelids (such as alpacas and llamas) is particularly relevant, as these were not previously explicitly covered.
Where the Law Applies
The law applies on:
Agricultural land
Public rights of way crossing farmland
Roads where livestock are present
This means that even if you are legally on a public footpath, you can still commit an offence if a dog worries livestock in an adjacent field.
Enforcement and Penalties
Under the amended law:
Police have expanded powers to seize dogs suspected of livestock worrying
Officers can obtain warrants to enter premises and gather evidence
Courts can issue unlimited fines (removing the previous capped penalty)
This significantly increases financial and professional risk.
2. Why This Matters for Professional Dog Walkers
As a professional dog walker, you are the person in control of the dog at the time of any incident. That places you in a potentially vulnerable legal position.
Key risks include:
Being investigated if a dog in your care worries livestock
Police seizing a dog during an investigation
Exposure to unlimited fines
Civil claims from farmers for loss, injury or stress to animals
Because the definition now includes stress and chasing, incidents that previously might have been considered “near misses” may now constitute offences.
This raises the professional standard expected of dog walkers operating in rural or semi-rural areas.
3. Should This Be Included in Your Contract?
Yes. It is strongly advisable to address livestock law explicitly in your client contract.
Without clear contractual terms, you risk unintentionally accepting full liability for incidents caused by a dog in your care.
Your contract should cover the following areas:
Walker Responsibilities
Commitment to keeping dogs under control at all times
Use of a lead where livestock may be present
Avoidance of fields containing livestock unless otherwise agreed
Adherence to countryside safety guidance
Owner Responsibilities
Disclosure of any previous livestock chasing or predatory behaviour
Honest information about recall reliability and impulse control
Confirmation that the dog is suitable for rural walks
Liability and Indemnity
Clarification of responsibility for fines or financial penalties
Requirement that owners maintain appropriate third-party liability cover
An indemnity clause protecting the walker from losses arising from undisclosed behavioural issues
Incident Protocol
Immediate reporting procedures
Communication expectations
Steps taken if a dog is seized or investigated
Clear terms protect both parties and demonstrate professional risk management.
4. Practical Risk-Reduction Measures
In addition to contractual updates, consider strengthening your operational policies:
Keep dogs on lead near livestock, even on public footpaths
Avoid lambing season and high-risk grazing periods where possible
Conduct route risk assessments
Limit group size in livestock-dense areas
Train staff specifically on livestock awareness and legal obligations
Document behavioural assessments for each dog
These steps are not only legally prudent but commercially reassuring for clients.
5. Summary
The March 2026 amendments significantly increase the seriousness of livestock worrying offences in England and Wales.
For professional dog walkers, the key changes are:
Broader definitions of livestock worrying
Inclusion of stress and chasing without contact
Expanded livestock categories
Greater police powers
Unlimited fines
Given these changes, it is essential that your client contract reflects the new legal framework and clearly defines responsibilities and liability.
Suggested Contract Addition
Livestock and Rural Environment Clause
1. Acknowledgement of Legal Obligations
The Client acknowledges that under current UK livestock protection legislation, it is a criminal offence for a dog to attack, chase, harass or cause stress to livestock, whether or not physical contact occurs.
2. Owner Disclosure
The Client confirms that they have fully disclosed any history of livestock chasing, predatory behaviour, poor recall, or uncontrolled behaviour in rural environments. Failure to disclose relevant behavioural history may result in immediate termination of services.
3. Suitability for Rural Walks
The Client warrants that their dog is suitable to be exercised in areas where livestock may be present. The Walker reserves the right to refuse off-lead exercise or access to certain routes if, in their professional judgement, there is a risk to livestock.
4. Control Measures
The Walker agrees to take reasonable and proportionate precautions, including the use of a lead where livestock are present or reasonably anticipated. However, the Client understands that no environment can be made entirely risk-free.
5. Liability and Indemnity
Where an incident arises as a result of the dog’s undisclosed behaviour, unreliable recall, or failure of information provided by the Client, the Client agrees to indemnify the Walker against any fines, penalties, civil claims, losses or associated legal costs.
Nothing in this agreement excludes liability arising from proven negligence by the Walker.
6. Incident Procedure
In the event of a livestock-related incident, the Walker will notify the Client as soon as reasonably practicable and may suspend services pending investigation or risk assessment.
A note on business and professionalism
This guide assumes one thing: you are running a business, not a hobby.
Pet care is more than a passion—it’s your livelihood, and it deserves the same professionalism, planning, and respect as any other business. Treating it like “just a job for fun” won’t get you the results or freedom you want.
You are allowed to:
Charge enough to make your business sustainable
Set and enforce clear boundaries with clients
Expect respect from clients, peers, and the wider pet care industry
Take your work seriously, even when others don’t
Build a business that supports you, not just every pet and client
Professional success starts with self-respect—and pet care businesses built on self-respect thrive for the long term.
About Tori Lynn C. & The Dog House
Welcome to The Dog House — my cosy corner of the TLC Canine Crusaders Business Hub. I’m Tori Lynn C., the founder of TLC Dog Walking Limited, mentor to professional dog walkers, and lifelong advocate for dogs and the people who care for them. With over 17 years of hands-on experience in the industry, my mission is to guide you through the realities of running a successful, sustainable dog walking business — from client care and safety to wellbeing, confidence, and professional growth.
The Dog House is where I share the honest, behind-the-scenes conversations we all need: the tricky moments, the funny bits, the business lessons, and the mindset work that keeps us thriving rather than merely surviving. Whether you're just starting out or scaling up, you’ll always find support, guidance, and a friendly nudge forward here.
You’re never alone in this journey — you’re part of a community of canine crusaders.
Legal Disclaimer
The information provided on this website is for general information and educational purposes only. It is intended to support pet care professionals in understanding common legal considerations when operating a dog walking or pet care business in the UK.
This content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for advice from a qualified solicitor or legal professional. Laws, regulations and local authority requirements may change over time and can vary depending on location and individual circumstances.
While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date at the time of publication, no guarantees are made regarding completeness or applicability to your specific situation.
By using this website, you acknowledge that:
✓ You are responsible for ensuring your own business complies with all relevant UK laws and local authority rules
✓ You should seek professional legal advice before drafting, using or relying on any contract or legal document
✓ The website owner accepts no liability for loss, damage or legal issues arising from the use of this information
If you are unsure about any legal obligations, contractual terms or liabilities, it is strongly recommended that you consult a solicitor experienced in small business or consumer law.
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