Police Service of Northern Ireland said it is appealing for further information after thirteen lambs were killed in a suspected dog attack in Rostrevor, County Down, at some point between 7pm on Friday, (March 13) and 7.45am on Saturday, (March 14).
A long-awaited update to livestock worrying legislation is due to come into force this week to strengthen tools and resources available to police and the courts to deal with incidents, but it has not stopped the devastating impact of dog attacks on-farm since the Bill was passed nearly three months ago.
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 had received Royal Assent in December and will come into effect on Wednesday (March 18). Defra said the Bill will offer increased protection for sheep, cows and other farm animals against dog attacks.
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Legislation which was introduced more than 70 years ago has not kept pace with changes in the countryside, according to the Government.
Former Defra Secretary Therese Coffey had attempted to update livestock worrying legislation in 2024 which was halted by the General Election in the same year.
Chester South and Eddisbury MP Aphra Brandreth had then reintroduced legislation later that year as a Private Members' Bill in the House of Commons before it was passed and received Royal Assent in December 2025.
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The Government said the Bill will introduce new powers allowing a court to order an offender to pay expenses associated with seizing and detaining a dog, and provides a clear deterrent by increasing the penalty from a fine of up to 拢1,000 to an unlimited fine.
17 lambs killed in single incident on-farm
But recent livestock worrying incidents this month have not deterred dog owners so far from putting dogs on a lead in the countryside.
Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said it is appealing for further information after thirteen lambs were killed in a suspected dog attack in Rostrevor, County Down.听
"We received a report that the lambs had been killed at a farm on Drumsesk Road at some point between 7pm on Friday, (March 13) and 7.45am on Saturday, (March 14)," PSNI Inspector Reynolds said.
"It appears that their necks had been deliberately broken.听
"This is a shocking crime, and we would be keen to hear from anyone who noticed anything unusual in the area during the times above.
"Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who can help should contact officers on 101, quoting reference 495 14/03/26."
Careless dog owners
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has confirmed a sheep was killed by a dog on land adjoining Potteric Carr Nature Reserve in Doncaster on March 5.
"Unfortunately this is not the first incident of its kind to occur on our nature reserves, with several dog attacks on both sheep and seals occurring over the last two years," a spokesperson added.
"We are furious to see that despite clear signage indicating sheep were in the field and the lack of public access, extensive communications about the impact of dogs on our nature reserves, and the recent changes made to the law intended to protect livestock, our grazing animals remain at risk from careless owners.
"The Trust remains deeply concerned by repeated instances of trespass and livestock worrying, a frustration shared by many landowners across the region and the wider UK.
"Situations like this are deeply distressing and cost us time and money 鈥� precious resources that we rely on for conservation work.
"Our grazing animals are a vital part of our conservation work on our nature reserves across the county, and are well-loved by staff, volunteers and members of the public."
Cost of livestock worrying
In February, NFU Mutual's latest annual livestock worrying survey had revealed the cost of dog attacks across the UK had risen by 10% to 拢1.95 million in 2025.
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Daera and and the Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) have urged dog owners to take precautions to prevent livestock worrying and protect animal welfare during lambing season by keeping pets on a lead in the countryside.
Plea for dogs to be put on a lead
UFU deputy-president John McLenaghan said behind every livestock worrying incident is a farming family left to deal with the devastating aftermath of a dog attack.
"For many sheep farmers across Northern Ireland, lambing season is already one of the most demanding times of the year," Mr McLenaghan added.
"To then discover dead or severely injured animals because a dog has been allowed to roam is both heartbreaking and unacceptable.
"The financial impact is significant. However, the true cost goes far beyond the financial figure.
"There is the emotional toll on farm families, the trauma inflicted on livestock, and the lasting impact on flock performance to factor in."
The UFU said there can be no ambiguity about where responsibility lies.
"Livestock worrying is a criminal offence, and dog owners have a legal duty to ensure their pets are controlled at all times," Mr McLenaghan added.听
"Too many people still believe their dog would never chase or harm livestock.
"The reality is that any dog, regardless of breed, size or temperament, can cause serious damage.
"Even without physical contact, the stress of being chased can result in pregnant ewes aborting lambs or young lambs becoming separated and dying.
"The message is simple and unequivocal: if you are walking anywhere near livestock, your dog must be on a lead and under control.
"Not just when you think there is a risk. At all times. Preventing livestock worrying is entirely within the control of dog owners, and there is no excuse for failing to act responsibly."
Daera Rural Affairs Secretary Andrew Muir said livestock worrying can have devastating consequences for animals and causes significant distress to farmer families.
"Even a short chase can have devastating consequences for livestock, and in most cases these incidents are entirely preventable," Mr Muir added.
"The law is clear. It is a criminal offence to allow a dog onto land containing livestock unless that dog is under control.
"Where a dog worries livestock by attacking, killing or chasing animals in a way that causes injury, suffering or financial loss to their owner, the person in charge of that dog may face prosecution.听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听听
"Simple actions make a real difference. Keeping dogs on a lead, ensuring they cannot stray from homes or gardens, and taking steps to manage their behaviour around livestock are all essential.
"My department will continue to raise awareness of livestock worrying, but the responsibility lies with dog owners to act responsibly and protect animal welfare."
CLA president Gavin Lane said new livestock worrying powers coming into effect this week must have real teeth to protect farmers and livestock from awful incidents occurring again in the future.
"Farmers should not have to live in fear of dogs attacking their animals," Mr Lane added.
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"Yet the stories keep coming: ewes chased into rivers, calves with their jaws ripped off, and animals mauled so badly they have to be put down.
"The damage goes beyond the financial. No farmer can forget finding an animal they have cared for in pain.
"This new law is a serious step forward. Stronger police powers and tougher penalties will help crack down on these attacks and protect the animals and livelihoods that rural communities depend on."
Defra said new legislation will make a real difference in the countryside for rural communities and dog owners.
"The law now strengthens the tools available to police and the courts so they can respond more effectively when incidents happen," a Defra spokesperson said.
"This change to the law is not about restricting dog walking. It is about making sure people can continue to enjoy the countryside while keeping livestock safe, protecting animal welfare and supporting the work farmers do every day."
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