Dog Owners Warned: Keep Your Pets on Leads During Lambing Season or Face Fines!
With lambing season just around the corner, dog owners are being blasted with a warning: keep your dogs on leads when crossing fields with sheep. Breaking the rules could land you in hot water under The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953.
Stick to the Path – It’s the Law
When using public footpaths, bridleways, or byways in the countryside, dogs must be under effective control at all times. This means your dog should either be on a lead or close enough to come back to you promptly when called.
Straying off the designated path is a no-go and counts as trespassing. Even worse, letting your dog chase or attack livestock is strictly illegal and could bring a hefty fine.
Clean Up or Face the Consequences
- You must pick up and properly bin any dog mess – leaving it on paths, verges, or nearby farmland is not just rude, it’s dangerous.
- Dog faeces can spread diseases that kill livestock. So don’t slack on this!
Special Rules for Fields with Livestock
Keep your dog on a lead in fields or enclosures where sheep or other livestock are present. The exception? Cattle.
If a cow gets aggressive, it’s generally accepted you can let your dog off the lead to avoid trouble.
Remember:
- Stay on the public right of way and don’t wander.
- Keep your dog controlled and safe – for their sake and the animals around you.
- Dispose of dog waste responsibly – it’s a matter of life and death for some farm animals.
Failing to follow these simple rules could result in prosecution and hefty fines. Play it safe this lambing season – keep your dog on a lead and stick to the path!
