Animals

Here are some of our frequently asked questions about coming across animals, particularly cattle, when using our Public Rights of Way.

Bulls in fields crossed by Public Rights of Way
Dairy bulls over the age of 10 months are not allowed to range freely in a field through which a public footpath or public bridleway passes.

Cattle
Normally cattle are fairly docile animals, however, when they have young they can become very defensive if you walk a path. Please take care if you encounter a field of cattle with young and especially if you have a dog.
For more information about cattle and public access please read the leaflet available to download from the more information section on this page.

Dogs
You should keep your dog under close control. Dogs running free in fields where there is livestock cause landowners great concern however well behaved you think your dog is! Please keep your dog on a lead.
For more information please read the leaflet available to download from the more information section on this page.

I don’t want dogs in my fields and I’m going to stop walkers bringing their dogs on my land by changing the stiles.
This is unwise. Dogs are considered as a normal accompaniment on a Public Right of Way. Any changes to a gate or stile that prevents the public from using the path may be considered to be an obstruction by the council.

Dogs are fouling the path and it is very unpleasant. Can you do something about it please?Please contact your local district/borough council about this.
For more information about Dog Fouling please visit our Yuk! dog fouling campaign page.

Other Animals
Some animals, for example ostriches, require an owner to have a license and be registered with the local authority. They cannot therefore be kept in a field through which a Public Right of Way passes.

Animals

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