Continuing story · 1 report

The Wales livestock-attack DNA project

First aired October 29, 2026 at 8:04 PM UTCLatest aired October 29, 2026 at 8:04 PM UTC

DevelopingNext check Oct 30: A project progress report, published collection guidance or a documented DNA-supported identification or case outcome.

Where it stands

Farmers in Wales are receiving DNA-testing kits, while Dyfed-Powys Police has assigned two crime scene officers and Liverpool John Moores University researchers will analyse samples and develop evidence-collection guidance. The project’s effectiveness in identifying dogs involved in livestock attacks remains to be reported.

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1 report11 outlets19 sources

No dated events yet

Update 1Oct 29 20:04 UTCWales turns to DNA to identify dogs behind livestock attacks

The story so far

Update 1Oct 29 20:04 UTC
Wales turns to DNA to identify dogs behind livestock attacks
Farmer kits, police sampling powers and university research aim to settle disputed attacks. The crucial test is whether recovered DNA reliably identifies an individual dog.

History

Oct 29 UTC
Opened1 report

Who's involved

Organizations

Dyfed-Powys Policepolice force in Wales1 report
Liverpool John Moores Universityuniversity in Liverpool, England1 report

Places

WalesWales, UK1 report

Every outlet we read on this story

19 sources11 outlets1 wire copy

legislation.gov.uk4
ljmu.ac.uk3
BBC Newsbbc.com2First
1. First reported Oct 29 06:25 UTC
2. New DNA trial could identify dogs involved in livestock attacksJun 7 UTC
3. Croesawu profion i adnabod cŵn gan fod ymosodiadau ar dda byw yn 'torri calon' - BBC Cymru FywOct 29 UTC
BBC Walesbbc.co.uk2
1. First reported Oct 29 12:59 UTC
2. Investigators to use DNA testing to identify dogs in livestock attacksOct 29 UTC
3. Dog owners face unlimited fines for farm livestock attacks - BBC NewsMar 18 UTC
doi.org2
1. Development of a qPCR assay for the quantification of canine autosomal DNA recovered from livestock attacks
2. Recovering canine STR profiles from livestock attack samples: Overcoming PCR inhibition
blog.gov.uk1
1. Law changes strengthen protection for livestock – The Farming BlogDec 18 UTC
Farmers Union of Walesfuw.org.uk1
1. Innovative project using canine DNA technology moves to its next stageJul 24 UTC
Farmers Weeklyfwi.co.uk1
1. Farmers trialling DNA test kits for attacked livestockMay 28 UTC
GOV.UKwww.gov.uk1
1. New law comes into force to protect farm animals from dog attacksMar 18 UTC
IVC Evidensia UKivcevidensia.co.uk1
1. Canine DNA project to aid farmers and police in livestock attack investigations
wrexham.com1
1. Pioneering DNA research project from North Wales Police to aid livestock attack investigations