Rural crime

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 will come into effect on March 18 to give police greater powers to deal with livestock worrying. But it has not stopped incidents from blighting the countryside so far

Concerns have been raised that thieves may target farm fuel tanks as oil increases in price

Defra says it will 'halt criminals in their tracks' and help to speed-up justice

Police have asked for potential witnesses to come forward

Dogs have bitten visitors, owners have been verbally abusive to staff when asked to put their dog on a lead, and dogs have worried livestock

Police warn Essex farmers to beware after reports criminals are demanding cash and threatening violence in fake pot hold scam

Why are the victims of fly-tipping the ones 'punished for the crime'?

Judge hands out custodial sentences after pair convicted of killing sheep

UFU has stressed that one dog attack on-farm is one too many, particularly at a time when pregnant ewes and newborn lambs are at their most vulnerable

Following the arrest of two men convicted of hare coursing, the police force say they will go to great measures to seize vehicles crossing private land to commit crimes