The New Dog Law Every Kent Walker Must Know
Unlimited fines. Stress as a criminal offence. Roads and footpaths now included. Here's what the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Amendment Act 2025 means for you — and why Kent is one of the highest-risk counties in England.
Lambing season is happening right now (March–June 2026)
The Romney Marsh, Kent Downs AONB, and the North Downs are all active lambing landscapes at this time of year. The new law is in force. A dog approaching — but not touching — a sheep can now constitute a criminal offence.
On 18 March 2026, the most significant update to UK livestock protection law since 1953 quietly came into force. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 doesn't just increase the fines — it fundamentally changes the definition of an offence, the geography it covers, and the powers police have to prosecute it.
For most urban dog owners, this feels like someone else's problem. It isn't. Kent is the Garden of England — and that means working farms, sheep on hillsides, and cattle crossing roads are a routine part of countryside walks here. In 2025, the South East was the second worst-hit region in England for dog attacks on livestock, with a 137% rise in incidents. Kent farmers lost an estimated £330,000 to dog-related livestock injuries in a single year.
This is the law — and it applies to you whether your dog has ever chased an animal before or not.
The 4 Changes That Affect Every Dog Walk in Kent
CHANGE 1 — GEOGRAPHY
Old Law
Offence only applied if a dog physically entered a field containing livestock.
New Law (March 2026)
Now covers roads and public footpaths where livestock may be nearby — including the North Downs Way, the Saxon Shore Way, and footpaths across Romney Marsh.
CHANGE 2 — WHAT COUNTS AS 'WORRYING'
Old Law
Required evidence of physical injury to livestock.
New Law (March 2026)
Fear and stress alone now constitutes an offence. A dog running towards, chasing, or causing distress to livestock — even without contact — can result in prosecution.
CHANGE 3 — THE FINES
Old Law
Maximum fine of £1,000.
New Law (March 2026)
Courts can now impose unlimited fines. In serious cases, you could also face a civil damages claim from the farmer on top of any criminal penalty.
CHANGE 4 — WHICH ANIMALS ARE PROTECTED
Old Law
Cattle, sheep, pigs, horses, goats, poultry.
New Law (March 2026)
Now includes alpacas and llamas — increasingly common on Kent farms and popular in agri-tourism venues across the Weald and Romney Marsh.
Which Kent Walks Are Highest-Risk Right Now?
Almost any countryside route in Kent passes working farmland at some point. These are the areas where you're most likely to encounter livestock during spring 2026:
Romney Marsh
Thousands of sheep. Iconic marshland footpaths cross open farmland. Peak lambing April–May.
Kent Downs AONB
Sheep grazing is central to the chalk downland. The North Downs Way passes multiple working farms.
The Weald
Mixed livestock farms throughout. Public rights of way often border fields directly.
Stour Valley
Cattle and horses along the riverside paths. Popular with off-lead walkers unaware of the new rules.
Elham Valley
Quiet lanes and footpaths bordered by sheep pasture. Increasingly popular for dog walks.
Sissinghurst & Cranbrook area
National Trust and surrounding farmland. Livestock visible from multiple public paths.
What You Need to Do Differently
Sergeant Darren Walshaw of Kent Police's Rural Task Force has been clear: owners must put their dogs on leads near farm animals, regardless of how well-trained they believe their dog to be. Even the calmest dog can bolt when a sheep runs. Under the new law, you are responsible for your dog's behaviour at all times in those environments.
Practical Rules for Countryside Walks in Kent
- 1Put your dog on a lead the moment you can see or hear livestock — not just when you're alongside them.
- 2If cattle approach, let your lead go and move calmly away — never run, and keep yourself between the cattle and your dog.
- 3Check the route before you leave. Look for OS map symbols indicating farmyards or pasture.
- 4A GPS tracker is no longer just convenient — it means you can locate your dog immediately if it bolts near livestock.
- 5Consider a long-line (5–10m) for recall training on open countryside walks before going fully off-lead.
- 6If your dog causes a livestock incident, stay calm, give your details to the farmer or land owner, and do not leave the scene.
Two Things Worth Having Before Your Next Countryside Walk
You can't prevent every situation — but you can dramatically reduce the risk.
Location Tracking
GPS Dog Tracker (Tractive)
If your dog slips the lead near livestock, you have seconds — not minutes — to find them before an incident occurs. A GPS tracker gives you real-time location on your phone, live activity tracking, and escape alerts the moment your dog moves beyond a boundary you've set. For countryside walks in Kent, this is now essential kit.
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Controlled Exercise
Training Long-Line Lead (5–10m)
The safest way to exercise your dog near countryside while maintaining control is a long-line lead. It gives your dog the sensation of off-lead freedom while keeping you legally compliant near livestock areas. A 10m biothane long-line is light, easy to clean, and doesn't tangle like rope. It also doubles as a recall training tool — an investment that pays off everywhere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
My dog has never chased an animal. Does this law still apply to me?
What if my dog runs towards livestock but doesn't make contact?
Can a farmer legally shoot my dog?
Does this apply on beaches and in towns?
I walk in Kent but live outside the county. Does it apply to me?
Want Off-Lead Exercise Without the Risk?
A fully enclosed secure field is the only truly safe off-lead option in lambing season. Browse verified fields across Kent with confirmed 6ft fencing — no livestock, no liability.
Affiliate Disclosure: This article contains Amazon affiliate links. When you purchase through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps us maintain Dog Friendly Kent as a free resource. We only recommend products that genuinely help dog owners stay safe and legally compliant.
Legal note: This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. For specific questions about the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, refer to legislation.gov.uk or seek advice from a qualified solicitor.