Dogs & Livestock

Hello,

We are getting reports of dogs being out of control around livestock.

Our dog’s sense of smell and chase instinct can be easily aroused around livestock, especially if meeting them is a novel experience. 

Farm animals can be easily worried by dogs, especially during calving or lambing season. Livestock is protected by law from being ‘worried’ by dogs, so you must keep your dog under control whenever you encounter cows, sheep, goats, or even chickens! 

It’s a criminal offence to allow your dog to chase or attack livestock. Farmers can shoot dogs they believe are worrying livestock on their land.

According to the protection of Livestock Act 1953, worrying livestock is classed as:

Attacking livestock

Chasing livestock

Not being under close control in the presence of sheep

The act classifies livestock as cattle, sheep, goats, swine, horses, or poultry. This includes chickens, turkey, ducks, and geese. 

You may walk in areas where there are free-roaming deer, and you should exercise the same caution here. You do not want to be in a situation where your dog is coming head-on with a herd of deer! 

Keep your eyes peeled as horses and livestock will not always be immediately visible when you enter a field. It pays to remain cautious as you explore unfamiliar areas or areas where livestock rotates. 

I’m sure you always pick up your dog’s poo! It can be tempting when surrounded by horse poo, cow pats, or sheep turds to stick and flick, but dog poo can spread disease to farm animals, so please do pick up after your dog every time.

Just like with horses, gradually expose your dog to livestock from a distance and reward calm behaviour with lots of treats. It’s safest to always have your dog on a lead if you’re anywhere near cattle or sheep, but it’s still worth training your dog to help them feel calm and confident in their presence.  

Crucially if you do not hhjhave proper control of your dog when off lead walking in rural areas, your dog MUST be on a lead.

It is not uncommon for some livestock to attack dogs, causin critical or potentially fatal injuries.