'I never blame the dog; I blame the owner': Wool farmer recounts brutal sheep attack as laws tighten
Farmers in Dorset are urging dog owners to keep pets on leads as the government introduces tougher penalties for livestock worrying offences
The Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner has welcomed new law changes designed to better protect livestock from dog attacks.
The changes, which come into effect today, make livestock worrying and attacking livestock separate offences, emphasising the violent nature of such attacks.
Courts will now have strengthened powers, including the ability to seize and detain dogs involved in offences and to require offenders to pay the costs associated with their seizure and care.
Penalties for dog owners found guilty of livestock worrying have also increased, with fines now unlimited, up from the previous maximum of £1,000.
Wool farmer, Will Hyde told us about an occasion his sheep were attacked: “I could see all of my sheep bunched up and there was a dog, who was clearly out of control, chasing them
“When I got to the field, I had sheep who were upside down, others running scared and some were in lamb so I knew a potential losses I had.
“While I was looking at my sheep, I was then attacked by the owner because I had touched his dog.
“As farmers, the abuse and grief we get from dog owners is unbelievable, especially as we're just trying to do our job.
“It's just a whole other dynamic that we have to deal with. I never blame the dog; I always blame the owner.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick, said: “It is important to recognise the impact dogs can have on both livestock and wildlife.
“These changes to the law will help deter offenders, encourage dog owners to act responsibly, and ensure that anyone who commits an offence is rightly punished.”
The reforms come as recent NFU data revealed that farm animals worth £1.95 million were injured or killed by dogs in 2025 - a 10% increase on the previous year.
A survey of dog owners also showed that one in ten admitted their dog has no reliable recall, and one in twenty admitted their dog had chased livestock.
Will Hyde added: “Some dog owners out there have no concept of how to treat their dog as an animal.
“It is absolutely in a dog's nature to chase prey animals. It is the owner who needs to be aware of that.”
The PCC added: “Responsible dog owners can help by keeping dogs on a short lead near livestock, sticking to public footpaths, and remaining especially vigilant during lambing season when animals are most vulnerable.”