Animals on public rights of way

If an animal (horse, dog, bull, etc.) causes injury to anyone using a public right of way, then the owner of that animal is held responsible, and may be prosecuted. Anyone who owns an animal which they know to have dangerous tendencies should not keep that animal in a field which is crossed by a public footpath, bridleway or byway.

Bulls

Generally, bulls must not be kept in any field crossed by a public right of way. The exceptions to this are:

Where the bull is not more than 10 months old;
Where the bull is not a recognised dairy breed, and is accompanied by cows or heifers.

Recognised dairy breeds include: Ayrshire, British Friesian, British Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry.

The Health and Safety Executive - Cattle and public access in England and Wales (pdf, 39Kb)

Dogs

If the dog poses no threat to members of the public, then the owner can keep the dog on his own land, or on land where he has the landowner's permission.

However, where a dog effectively prevents use of a right of way, for example by standing in the middle of a path facing on-comers with snarls and bared teeth, or where it merely frightens users, for example by running around them barking in a threatening manner, this constitutes a public nuisance. Such conduct may also constitute an obstruction of the highway which is an offence in criminal law.

You can report this to the Countryside Recreation Team on 01926 412824, but it is the Police who are responsible for enforcing the removal of the dog.

More information about dogs in the countryside.

Horses

Horses may be kept loose in fields crossed by public rights of way as long as they are not known to be dangerous.

Horses may not be ridden on public footpaths unless the landowner has given permission. A horse rider may be asked to leave any land over which they do not have the right to ride, and may be asked to pay for any damages caused. If a horse being ridden on a public bridleway or byway injures another person, the owner of the horse may be held responsible for the injuries, and the horse rider may be held responsible if they are shown to be negligent in controlling the horse.

More information about horse riding.