NSA welcomes progress of strengthened legislation on livestock attacks as it passes final stage in House of Lords

The National Sheep Association (NSA) is celebrating the excellent news that the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill has successfully passed its final hurdle in the House of Lords today (Friday 5th December 2025). This marks a significant milestone in the long-running effort to tackle dog attacks on livestock and is the culmination of extensive work by many dedicated individuals and organisations committed to protecting sheep farmers and their flocks.

The Bill will now return to the House of Commons for final sign-off before moving on to receive Royal Assent.

NSA has consistently championed the need for stronger legislation to address the growing and deeply distressing problem of sheep worrying. Through years of evidence-gathering, direct engagement with policymakers and working closely with affected farmers, NSA has highlighted the financial, emotional, and welfare impacts caused by dog attacks. Today’s development demonstrates real progress in securing meaningful change.

Importantly, the strengthened bill introduces several vital improvements for sheep farmers in England and Wales, including:

• Expanded police powers, allowing officers to seize and detain dogs suspected of attacking livestock, even when incidents are not witnessed directly.
• Greater clarity in the law, with updated definitions of livestock and attacks, ensuring modern farming systems and dog ownership patterns are properly recognised.
• Strengthened penalties, helping reinforce the seriousness of livestock attacks and sending a clear signal that irresponsible dog ownership will not be tolerated.

NSA Chief Executive Phil Stocker says: “This is truly excellent news for sheep farmers across England and Wales. NSA has worked tirelessly to ensure the severity of livestock attacks is fully understood and is delighted to see the Bill progressing towards becoming law. We warmly thank all those who have contributed to achieving this milestone. The improvements contained within the legislation will provide farmers with greater confidence that incidents will be taken seriously and acted upon promptly."

NSA looks forward to the final steps of the legislative process and urges continued responsible dog ownership from the public, especially as more dog walkers take to the countryside during the upcoming festive period.

More information on sheep worrying by dogs can be found on the NSA website.