Livestock Worrying - New Legislation

LIVESTOCK WORRYING | With springtime here and evenings becoming lighter, officers spoke with dog walkers on the Malvern Hills today (Thursday 19 March) to help prevent livestock worrying.

Our rural crime team was joined by partner agencies at the Goldmine trail to the Worcestershire Beacon, a popular route for dog walkers, to raise awareness following a change in the law on livestock worrying.

Working alongside representatives from the National Sheep Association, staff from the Malvern Hills Trust, the NFU, and the Police and Crime Commissioner’s Office, officers attended Upper Beacon Road with an engagement vehicle to provide advice on the new requirements and the importance of keeping dogs under control around sheep and cattle.

There was a rise in sheep worrying incidents last year, which say has significant consequences for both pregnant ewes and newborn lambs. In 2025, Malvern Hills Trust recorded 15 dog chasing incidents, 5 more than 2024; 10 livestock attacks, 8 more than 2024; and five sheep killed by dogs, three more than 2024.

The change in the law came into force yesterday (Wednesday 18 March) and means the maximum fine for dog owners is now unlimited, replacing the old maximum of £1,000. Police can now seize and detain dogs suspected of attacking or worrying livestock, enter premises to seize dogs, and collect DNA evidence/tooth impressions to assist in investigations.

During the engagement exercise, owners were advised to keep dogs on a lead, even if they are well trained, and to take steps to prevent them entering grazing areas on the hills.

Rural and Business Crime Officer (RABO) Pete Meredith said: “Today’s event provided an opportunity to speak with dog walkers about responsible ownership, which is essential to preventing livestock worrying.

“Always keep your dog under control and on a lead around livestock, even if you believe your dog is well trained.

“Even well-behaved dogs can display predatory behaviour around livestock such as sheep and cattle. This can cause animals to become extremely stressed or injured, and in some cases can be fatal.

“Livestock worrying is not only a serious animal welfare issue; it can also cause significant distress and financial loss for farmers whose animals graze on the Malvern Hills.”

Police and Crime Commissioner John Campion, who funds five Rural and Business Crime Officers in West Mercia said: “This engagement is a great example of West Mercia Police and partners coming together to educate dog walkers, raise awareness of the law change, and help prevent livestock worrying.

“I hear far too often from farmers about the impact these incidents have - from stress and disruption to the most serious cases where animals are badly injured or killed. That is simply unacceptable.

“With supporting rural communities a key priority in my Safer Communities Plan, I know the public will value this collaborative approach to keeping people, animals and livelihoods safe.”

• The Malvern Hills and Commons are grazed by livestock throughout the year, which helps protect the natural landscape, flora and fauna, and the views.