{"id":769,"date":"2026-03-16T19:56:47","date_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:56:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/?p=769"},"modified":"2026-03-16T19:56:50","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T19:56:50","slug":"doglost-warns-of-spring-danger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/doglost-warns-of-spring-danger\/","title":{"rendered":"DogLost warns of spring danger"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"924\" height=\"764\" data-src=\"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-16-at-19.55.20.png\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-771 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"924\" height=\"764\" src=\"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-16-at-19.55.20.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-771\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-16-at-19.55.20.png 924w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-16-at-19.55.20-300x248.png 300w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-16-at-19.55.20-768x635.png 768w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/Screenshot-2026-03-16-at-19.55.20-15x12.png 15w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 924px) 100vw, 924px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h1 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Enjoy the Countryside Responsibly \u2013 New Law Strengthens Protection for Livestock<\/h1>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Spring is a wonderful time to get out walking with our dogs. The countryside is bursting with life, lambs are being born, calves are finding their feet and farms are busy with the new season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">But DogLost tell us this is also the time of year when tragedies happen \u2014 often completely unintentionally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A dog that is usually perfectly behaved can suddenly chase sheep or cattle when instinct kicks in. The consequences can be devastating for farmers, for the livestock\u2026 and sometimes for the dog as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That\u2019s why the&nbsp;<strong>Union of Good Dog People<\/strong>&nbsp;is urging all dog owners to be extra careful when walking near farm animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">A New Law Comes Into Force \u2013 18 March 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">From&nbsp;<strong>18 March 2026<\/strong>, new legislation will strengthen the law protecting livestock in England and Wales.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The&nbsp;<strong>Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025<\/strong>&nbsp;updates legislation that had remained largely unchanged since 1953.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new law includes:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Unlimited fines<\/strong>\u00a0for owners whose dogs attack or worry livestock<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Stronger police powers<\/strong>\u00a0to investigate incidents and seize dogs involved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recognition that an offence occurs even if the dog\u00a0<strong>does not physically touch the animal<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protection extended to more livestock species and incidents on\u00a0<strong>public footpaths and roads<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In simple terms, if a dog&nbsp;<strong>chases, stalks, or frightens livestock<\/strong>, it can be considered livestock worrying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Even a short chase can cause serious harm. Sheep may miscarry, become injured, or die from stress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why This Matters<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Livestock worrying is not rare. It causes enormous distress to farmers and serious suffering to animals every year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dogs do not need to bite or attack to cause damage. Just the act of chasing can trigger panic in sheep or cattle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For dog owners, there is another heartbreaking reality:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Farmers are legally entitled to shoot a dog that is worrying livestock in order to protect their animals.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That is why keeping your dog under control isn\u2019t just about protecting livestock \u2014 it\u2019s about&nbsp;<strong>keeping your own dog safe too<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Simple Steps That Protect Everyone<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Countryside Code offers clear guidance that helps avoid problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When walking near livestock:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u2022&nbsp;<strong>Keep your dog on a lead<\/strong>&nbsp;in fields with sheep, cows, or other farm animals<br>\u2022&nbsp;<strong>Keep your dog close and under control<\/strong>&nbsp;at all times<br>\u2022&nbsp;<strong>Stick to footpaths<\/strong>&nbsp;and give animals plenty of space<br>\u2022 Remember that&nbsp;<strong>cows and sheep can be protective of their young<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you feel threatened by cattle,&nbsp;<strong>let your dog off the lead so it can run to safety<\/strong>&nbsp;while you leave the field.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Dog Lovers and Farmers Are On The Same Side<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Union of Good Dog People believes that responsible dog ownership and responsible farming go hand in hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Most dog owners would be horrified if their dog caused harm to livestock. And most farmers simply want their animals to be safe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By spreading awareness and following simple guidance, we can prevent unnecessary suffering \u2014 and keep the countryside a welcoming place for everyone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Please Share This Message<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you walk your dog in rural areas, please help spread the word.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A moment of care can prevent heartbreak for farmers, for animals, and for dog owners.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Enjoy the countryside responsibly \u2014 and keep your dogs safe.<\/strong><br><br>Check out DogLost here: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.doglost.co.uk\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click here<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" data-src=\"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/652496787_10166997257484951_2854994648248059731_n-724x1024.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-770 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"724\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/652496787_10166997257484951_2854994648248059731_n-724x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-770\" srcset=\"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/652496787_10166997257484951_2854994648248059731_n-724x1024.jpg 724w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/652496787_10166997257484951_2854994648248059731_n-212x300.jpg 212w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/652496787_10166997257484951_2854994648248059731_n-768x1086.jpg 768w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/652496787_10166997257484951_2854994648248059731_n-1086x1536.jpg 1086w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/652496787_10166997257484951_2854994648248059731_n-8x12.jpg 8w, https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/652496787_10166997257484951_2854994648248059731_n.jpg 1448w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 724px) 100vw, 724px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Enjoy the Countryside Responsibly \u2013 New Law Strengthens Protection for Livestock Spring is a wonderful time to get out walking with our dogs. The countryside is bursting with life, lambs are being born, calves are finding their feet and farms are busy with the new season. But DogLost tell us this is also the time [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":771,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","om_disable_all_campaigns":false,"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_uf_show_specific_survey":0,"_uf_disable_surveys":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,15],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-769","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-press-media"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/769","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=769"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/769\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":772,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/769\/revisions\/772"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/771"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=769"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=769"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/unionofgooddogpeople.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=769"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}