Horse owners and equestrian professionals now have enhanced legal protections thanks to recent changes in the UK’s livestock worrying laws. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 extends the scope of the law to include horses, ponies, and donkeys, and importantly, covers incidents on public paths and roads as well as farmland.
What Has Changed?
Prior to 2025, livestock worrying laws primarily focused on traditional farm animals such as cattle, sheep, and pigs, and only applied when incidents occurred on agricultural land. The 2025 amendments have:
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Broadened the definition of “livestock” to explicitly include equines and other hoofed animals.
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Extended the law to cover public roads and footpaths, ensuring protection when horses are being ridden, led, or transported.
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Increased penalties for dog owners, including unlimited fines, potential imprisonment, and powers for authorities to seize dogs involved in worrying incidents.
What This Means for Equine Owners
The updated legislation provides stronger safeguards for horses in a variety of situations:
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Public pathways and roads: Horses are now legally protected if a dog attacks, chases, or otherwise worries them while using these routes.
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Greater control expectations for dog owners: Dogs must be kept under control or on a lead near livestock, including horses, on public paths and roads.
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Legal recourse: Horse owners and yard managers now have clearer grounds to report incidents and pursue legal action if a dog endangers their animals.
Implications for Livery Yards and Equestrian Facilities
For livery yard managers, riding schools, and other equestrian professionals, the changes help:
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Improve safety on site and nearby public areas: Encouraging responsible dog ownership reduces the risk of injury to horses and staff.
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Provide reassurance for horse transport and turnout: Horses moving between paddocks or along public rights-of-way are better protected.
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Enhance overall welfare standards: Minimizing the stress and potential injury caused by uncontrolled dogs contributes to improved equine health and welfare.
Best Practices for Owners and Managers
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Display clear signage around yards and access points reminding dog owners to keep dogs on leads near horses.
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Plan horse movements along public paths during low-risk times and ensure horses are calm and manageable.
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Report incidents promptly with as much detail as possible — time, location, description of the dog and owner, and any witnesses — to give authorities the best chance of enforcement.
The 2025 changes to the livestock worrying laws are a significant step forward for equine welfare and safety. By recognizing horses as livestock and extending protection to public spaces, the law helps reduce risks from uncontrolled dogs, provides stronger legal support to owners, and encourages responsible dog ownership across the country.
Horse owners, yard managers, and equestrian professionals should familiarise themselves with these changes to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the animals in their care.