Livestock Worrying Consultation

Overview

Livestock worrying, defined as a dog chasing, attacking, or behaving in a way likely to cause harm or distress to livestock, is an issue that affects both livestock keepers and dog owners. These incidents affect animal welfare, may lead to financial or economic losses and cause distress for all involved.

Farmers’ organisations, including the Manx National Farmers’ Union (MNFU) and the Isle of Man Flock Masters, have asked the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA) to consider whether the Island’s current legislation continues to provide adequate protection.

Other jurisdictions, most recently Scotland (2021 opens in a new tab) and England and Wales (2025, coming into force in March 2026 opens in a new tab) have strengthened their livestock worrying laws. These updates include stronger penalties, enhanced police powers, broader definitions of livestock, new provisions for recovering costs, and clearer expectations for dog control. Their reforms prompt an important question for the Isle of Man: does the Dogs Act 1990 still meet modern needs and expectations?

Why we are consulting

This consultation seeks views on the principles and objectives that should guide any future approach to the review of livestock worrying laws on the Isle of Man. At this stage, we are not consulting on specific powers, penalties, or detailed legislative text. Instead, we are seeking evidence on whether the current law aligns with modern expectations, how the balance between livestock protection and responsible dog ownership should be struck, and the general level of tools and safeguards that would be appropriate should reform be taken forward.

In particular, we are interested in your views in relation to:

• How well the current legal framework is understood and whether it remains appropriate for today’s expectations
   
• The underlying purposes and objectives that any policy or legislation on livestock worrying should aim to achieve
   
• How best to balance the interests of livestock keepers, dog owners, land managers and the wider public
   
• The general principles that should guide decisions about enforcement, responsibility and proportionality
   
• The role of education, awareness and reporting in preventing livestock worrying incidents
   
• Whether there are areas where change may be worth exploring, or whether the current approach remains suitable

Why your views matter

The Isle of Man has a strong culture of responsible dog ownership, and our agricultural sector plays an essential role in supporting the Island’s economy, landscape and environment. views will help inform decisions about whether and how legislation may be strengthened to ensure that it is fair, proportionate, and effective for the Island.

Thank you for taking the time to contribute to this important discussion.

Reasonable adjustments and alternative formats

The Department is committed to equal opportunities and our aim is to make our documents easy to use and accessible to all.

We will take steps to accommodate any reasonable adjustments and provide such assistance as you may reasonably require to enable you to access or reply to this consultation.

If you would like to receive this document as a paper copy, in another format or need assistance with accessing or replying to this consultation, please email agriculture@gov.im or telephone +44 1624 685844.

Responding to this consultation and questions

You can respond to this consultation online by clicking on the 'Online Survey' link below. Alternatively you can download a paper version of this consultation in the 'Related' section below and email it to agriculture@gov.im or post it to:

Regulations Directorate,
Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture,
Thie Slieau Whallian,
Foxdale Road,
St Johns,
Isle of Man,
IM4 3AS

What happens next

DEFA will analyse all responses and produce a summary of findings and a timeline for any reforms should they be indicated.