When does the new law start and where does it apply?

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 takes effect from 18 March across England and Wales. Police gain stronger tools to investigate incidents on farmland, and courts can issue unlimited fines. Dog owners, farmers, and brokers should complete risk checks and policy reviews before that date to avoid gaps or costly claims.

What behaviour counts as livestock worrying under the new rules?

Chasing, attacking, or stressing livestock on agricultural land counts, including causing injury, abortion, or loss. Owners remain responsible when a dog is out of control near sheep, cattle, or other stock. Keeping dogs on short leads by fields, obeying signs, and practising recall sharply reduces incident risk and potential liability.

How could insurance premiums change after 18 March?

Underwriters may reprice liability cover if claims frequency or severity rises. Expect more questions about off‑lead habits, recall, and route choices, plus tighter exclusions for ignoring signs. Strong controls, photos of signage, and incident logs can support pricing. Clean histories and visible risk management help keep premiums stable.

What practical steps should dog owners take now?

Use short leads near livestock, practise recall, and avoid fields with active stock. Photograph warning signs on regular routes. Check pet or household liability cover and policy exclusions for off‑lead incidents. Confirm microchip details are current. Keep local rural police contacts handy to report incidents quickly and document events accurately.

Law and Government

February 11: Wales, England Dog-Walking Fines Raise Insurer Risk

ByHuzaifa Zahoor February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

From 18 March, new wales dog walking fines arrive under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025. The law brings unlimited fines and stronger policing to cut attacks and chases involving livestock. We see clear insurance implications for pet, rural, and farm policies across England and Wales. Expect closer underwriting, stricter wording on liability, and higher excesses where risk controls are weak. This briefing explains what changes, where costs may rise, and how to prepare before enforcement starts.