Use leads when near livestock - it may seem obvious but it’s advice not always heeded by the public, writes CLA Legal Adviser Andrew Gillett.
People taking dogs on public rights of way which are in the vicinity of livestock should be under similar restrictions to those for access land set out in Schedule 2 Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000.
These restrictions mean a dog should be kept on a short lead when in the vicinity of livestock subject to the usual advice about letting go if chased by cattle. We need to see this extended to cover public rights of way.
Top tips for farmers
Currently, there aren’t many ways to deal with livestock worrying but farmers can take the following actions to lawfully protect livestock from dogs:
We have 1,000s of livestock worrying signs which you can nail to gateposts or fenceposts near footpaths to highlight the problem to walkers.
If you would like some of these signs, please send a stamped, self-addressed A4 envelope to
FG Take the Lead, Farmers Guardian,
Unit 4, Fulwood Business Park,
Preston, Lancashire,
PR2 9NZ.
You will need at least three First Class or Second Class stamps on to cover postage costs.
We will be able send up to 25 signs.