A new law is now in force that affects dog owners. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs introduced this law to stop dogs from causing problems with livestock.

The penalty for worrying livestock is now higher. This happens when a dog chases or attacks livestock on farms. The goal is to prevent livestock from getting hurt or killed.

The fine for this is now unlimited, and police can take a dog if they think it has attacked livestock and might do it again.

The Moorland Association says a dog doesn't have to touch an animal to commit an offence. Chasing or being loose among sheep can be enough to harm them.

The law now treats attacking livestock as a separate offence, making it clear that physical attacks are serious.

The definition of livestock has been expanded.

Courts can order people to pay for seizing and detaining a dog. The Farming Minister says farmers can now feel safer knowing there are proper penalties for people who let their dogs worry livestock.

The Government is committed to helping farmers and animal welfare.

Dog owners need to be careful.

Many sheep farmers have had problems with dog attacks. The cost of these attacks has gone up and is now almost £2 million.

The police now have more powers to investigate incidents and can enter premises to get evidence.