‘GENERATIONAL’ reforms brought in to combat rising cases of livestock worrying which has seen multiple sheep needlessly die in Barnsley have been praised.

The government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy will bring in tougher penalties and greater police powers to relieve the emotional and financial strain these attacks place on farming communities.

Incidents in Worsbrough, Brierley and Mapplewell have all taken place in 2025 but calls from farmers for better protection have finally been answered by the government.

The Animal Welfare Strategy, launched on December 22 by Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds, will help deliver the most ambitious welfare reforms in a generation.

If a dog you own or are in charge of attacks or chases livestock on agricultural land, previous fines of £1,000 will automatically go to an unlimited fine, while police have been given powers to detain dogs believed to pose an ongoing threat to livestock.

The move comes after a farmers’ survey showed four in five had experienced a dog attack on their flock in the last 12 months.

Stephanie Peacock, who represents the Barnsley South constituency, said: “I’m proud to welcome the government’s new Animal Welfare Strategy.

“It’s a landmark step that reflects the values of our community.

“These reforms will protect pets, farm animals, and wildlife, ending cruel practices and ensuring the high standards of care that local people expect.”

Out-of-date legislation, regulations and current practices needed to be reformed as they have not kept pace with the latest evidence, according to ministers, and there have been instances of individuals taking advantage of loopholes.

Farming Minister Dame Angela Eagle added: “Livestock worrying can have devastating consequences for farmers/ and their animals, with sheep, cows and other animals often suffering severe injuries,/ trauma/ or often death./ /

“These stronger protections will help keep livestock safe/ and/ give farmers more confidence that incidents can be quickly and properly investigated.

“This bill updates legislation to give the police stronger powers to tackle dog attacks on livestock.

“These attacks cause distress and financial loss for farmers and harm to animals, so this change will make a real difference in protecting rural livelihoods and animal welfare.”

South Yorkshire Police said it was a priority for the force.

A spokesperson said: “We understand the devastating impact rural crime has on people living and working in our countryside.

“It can massively impact people’s livelihoods and tackling it remains a priority for our force.

“We’re urging dog owners to be responsible to ensure the safety of livestock and your pet.

“The injuries that sheep suffer from dogs is completely avoidable.

“These incidents also put the lives of unborn lambs at risk, as well as potentially leaving young lambs with no mother.

“This is not to mention the loss to the farmer and the distress of those who witness these attacks.

“We are so fortunate to have such beautiful landscapes and it’s everyone’s responsibility to ensure its safety.

“South Yorkshire Police are committed to tackling rural crime and are signed up to country wide Operation Recall, a national initiative raising awareness of the trauma and suffering sheep worrying can have, as well as the financial and emotional impact on farmers.”