Full Breakdown
Devon Farmer’s RSPCA Report Over Sheepdog Highlights New Livestock-Worrying Law
6/13/2026, 7:53:14 AM
Incident Overview
On a recent morning near Buckfastleigh, Devon, farmer Tom Trueman sent his eight-year-old border collie, Tilly, to herd about twenty sheep that had escaped onto a country lane. While stopping a passing car, Trueman reprimanded the dog as it gathered the flock. Two days later he received an RSPCA letter alleging the dog was “worrying” – i.e., attacking – the sheep. The envelope also contained pamphlets on dog behaviour and dog care, which Trueman called “strange.” An inspector called, clarified the misunderstanding, and told Trueman to discard the notice.
Legal Background
In March, the UK government amended livestock-worrying legislation, raising the maximum fine from £1,000 to an unlimited amount and granting police authority to seize and detain dogs suspected of attacking or worrying livestock. The reforms aim to curb animal injury and protect farmer income.
Key Actors
Tom Trueman, a 42-year-old eighth-generation Devon farmer, owns Tilly, a black-and-white border collie trained for herding. The RSPCA, a UK animal-welfare charity, investigated the complaint; the inspector was identified as a farmer’s daughter from Devon. The RSPCA letter also included two pamphlets on dog behaviour and dog care, which Trueman described as “strange.”
Official Statements & Responses
The government spokesperson said the new measures “aim to prevent livestock death and injury, which will save farmers thousands of pounds each year.” An RSPCA spokesperson added, “We are grateful to people who report suspected animal suffering and will always investigate such complaints.”
Criticism & Opposition
Trueman said the report wasted his and the RSPCA’s time and could have involved police, calling the incident mind-boggling. He suggested the complaint stemmed from a lack of farming knowledge, while online viewers posted thousands of reactions, many labeling the report “ridiculous.”
Verbatim Quotes
- “It’s been a waste of my time, it’s been a waste of the RSPCA’s time, and possibly the police,” — Tom Trueman, farmer
- “Society is doomed.” — Tom Trueman, farmer
- “I couldn't believe that someone honestly could report me to the RSPCA for clearly rounding up sheep.” — Tom Trueman, farmer
- “At the end of the day, they were just doing their job. The woman I spoke to was nice as pie.” — Tom Trueman, farmer
- “A collie, by its very nature, is a sheepdog. That's what they're bred for. For someone to report a collie for rounding up sheep while the farmer is standing there is just baffling.” — Tom Trueman, farmer
Implications for Farming
The case shows how the broadened livestock-worrying law can subject routine herding to formal scrutiny, potentially increasing administrative load for farmers and highlighting the need for public awareness of agricultural practices. The unlimited-fine could impose significant costs on farmers if misapplied.
Future Enforcement
Under the unlimited-fine regime, police and the RSPCA can now seize and detain dogs suspected of worrying livestock, meaning similar incidents may be investigated more frequently.
