Stronger protection for livestock and managing public rights of way

Under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW), members of the public have a legal right to access certain types of land on foot. This includes mountains, moorland, heath, down and registered common land as well as farmland with public footpaths or bridleways.

But the public has responsibilities too and as the incidence of dog attacks shows little sign of abating, recent changes in legislation have strengthened protection for farm animals. The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 came into force on 18 March 2026, introducing tougher measures to tackle livestock worrying, including expanded police powers and the potential for unlimited fines.

Managing livestock near public access

As too many farmers are aware, livestock worrying can have serious consequences, and while the new legal measures reinforce the seriousness of such incidents, day-to-day management remains essential to keep both the public and your animals safe.

Taking simple, proactive steps can significantly reduce risk:

• Regularly check fences and gates to prevent livestock straying onto footpaths or neighbouring land
  Use clear, well-placed signage to remind visitors to keep dogs on leads, particularly where livestock are present
• Position signs at field entrances and along well-used routes to maximise visibility
• Monitor livestock regularly, especially in fields with public access
• Keep records of grazing arrangements and any changes as part of good risk management practice.
   

Where possible cows with calves should be grazed in fields without public access. If this is not practical, temporary fencing can be used to separate livestock from walkers using the right of way.

Encouraging responsible behaviour from visitors, alongside practical measures such as signage, appropriate field selection and temporary fencing, can help minimise incidents, protect animal welfare and ensure public safety. These steps also support landowners in meeting their legal responsibilities. 

While appropriate warning signs are encouraged, they should also be removed when animals are no longer in a field. Leaving them up can be treated as an obstruction of public access rights. 

What to avoid: 

Bulls of recognised dairy breeds (such as Ayrshire, Friesian, Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry) are banned from being kept in fields crossed by a public right of way. In addition to this, you should also avoid grazing aggressive or unpredictable animals, including bulls of non-dairy breeds, in publicly accessible fields. If you have any concerns about an animal’s behaviour, move it to another location. 

Your legal responsibilities: a reminder

Landowners are responsible for ensuring public rights of way across their land remain open, clearly marked and safe to use.

• Obstructing a public footpath is a criminal offence
• Footpaths must be accessible and clearly identifiable on the ground
• Landowners may be held liable if someone is injured due to damaged or poorly maintained stiles, gates or other hazards
• Maintaining a clear one-metre margin either side of the path helps keep routes visible and discourages walkers from straying into crops or livestock
• If a path becomes unclear following ploughing or planting, it must be reinstated within 14 days.
   

Regular inspection and maintenance of routes can help ensure compliance and reduce the risk of incidents. Find out more about your legal responsibilities regarding Public Rights of Way.

Insurance and support

Landowners should also ensure they have appropriate public liability insurance in place, as they may be held responsible if a member of the public is injured on a right of way crossing their land.

Cornish Mutual’s farm insurance includes public liability cover, helping protect you should an incident occur and providing expert guidance and support when you need it.

To find out more about our Farm Insurance, click here or give us a call on 01872 277151.