Keeping Your Dog Safe and Under Control Around Farm Animals and Wildlife
Please note some of the information in this article regarding the law associated with managing dogs around livestock may change if the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill is passed.
Safely managing your dog around livestock and wildlife is crucial for safety, the welfare of all animals, and your peace of mind. Whether you’re walking through fields, exploring rural footpaths, coastlines, or living near open access land (e.g. moorlands, forests, lakes and beaches), understanding how to manage dogs around other animals responsibly is essential. Even the most well-trained dogs can have a natural instinct to chase or explore; unexpected encounters with livestock or nesting birds can lead to stress, injury, or even legal consequences.
By using ethical equipment and positive training techniques, you can prevent unwanted behaviours and create a calm, controlled experience for both your dog and the animals they may encounter. Livestock (e.g. sheep, cattle, horses) and ground-nesting birds, can be easily startled by an off-lead or excitable dog, leading to dangerous situations for all involved. Farmers and landowners have the legal right to protect their animals, which means dog owners must take responsibility for ensuring their pets remain under control at all times.
With the right approach, you can enjoy countryside walks without worry. From leash training to recall commands and understanding wildlife and livestock behaviour, here’s how to manage dogs around other animals responsibly while respecting the natural and rural environment.
March-July you must keep your dog on a 2m lead walking across open access land or face prosecution and a £1000 fine to protect wildlife
Understanding the Risks of Dogs Around Wildlife
Even a brief moment off-lead can startle wildlife or livestock, often causing birds and small mammals to abandon nests and leave eggs or chicks exposed—an especially serious issue in spring when migratory species return to breed. Dogs off-lead are naturally viewed as predators, and even a single encounter can disrupt breeding cycles or reduce local populations.
Keeping your dog on a short lead and sticking to designated paths greatly reduces these risks. Ground-nesting species—such as nightjars, willow warblers and meadow pipits—and familiar garden birds like dunnocks and blackbirds are particularly vulnerable when dogs roam freely. Letting dogs swim in ponds, streams or wetlands can also upset aquatic ecosystems and introduce flea-treatment chemicals into the water.
Right to Roam
Across England, you have the ‘right to roam’ on open access land—privately owned mountains, moors, heaths and downs, common land registered with councils, and certain stretches alongside the King Charles III England Coast Path. However, by law on open access land, you must keep your dog on a lead no longer than two metres between 1 March and 31 July (to protect ground-nesting birds), and at all times around livestock. Alongside the coastal path, dogs must be kept under close control. Check for any additional local or seasonal restrictions before you go.
Opt instead for shorter, sniff-rich walks that satisfy your dog’s curiosity without jeopardising wildlife. And on pebble beaches—where oystercatchers and little terns expertly camouflage their eggs—remaining vigilant and keeping dogs on the lead is the simplest way to safeguard these hidden nests.
Understanding the Risks of Dogs Around Livestock
Allowing your dog to interact with livestock without proper control can lead to serious consequences for both animals and people. Many dog owners underestimate the risks, but an uncontrolled or overly excited dog can quickly turn a peaceful walk into a dangerous situation.
Risks to Your Dog
If a dog gets too close to livestock, especially larger animals like cattle or horses, they can be seriously injured. A startled cow may charge, kick, or trample a dog, causing broken bones, internal injuries, or worse. Sheep and other prey animals may seem less threatening, but they can still injure a dog by headbutting or kicking out in panic. In some cases, livestock may become aggressive when protecting young, making any encounter even riskier.
Dogs can also become scared by livestock, particularly if they are chased. A frightened dog may bolt, getting lost in unfamiliar surroundings or running onto roads, where the risk of being hit by a vehicle is high. If a dog disappears in a rural area, finding them again can be extremely difficult, especially if they become trapped in fencing, injured, or stuck in dense vegetation.
Risks to Livestock & Farmers
Dogs around livestock are not usually a good mix, and even a friendly, curious dog can cause harm. Livestock worrying refers to when a dog chases, harasses, or attacks farm animals. This can result in serious injuries, exhaustion, and even death. Sheep, in particular, are vulnerable to stress, and even if no physical contact occurs, the panic caused by a dog can lead to miscarriages in pregnant ewes or the separation of ewes and their lambs.
A single bite, scratch, or nip from a dog can cause painful wounds, infections, and distress to livestock. In severe cases, farmers may have no choice but to euthanise an injured animal. Livestock worrying is also a criminal offence in the UK, and farmers are legally permitted to take action to protect their animals, including shooting a dog if necessary. Farmers can also suffer emotional distress, vet bills, and the loss of livestock.
Risks to Dog Owners
Dog owners themselves can also be at risk if they fail to manage their dog around livestock. If a dog chases livestock, the animals may panic and run in unpredictable directions, potentially knocking down fences or charging towards people.
In an emergency, some owners may instinctively try to rescue their dog, putting themselves in harm’s way. Attempting to retrieve a dog from an enclosed field with cattle or horses can be extremely dangerous, as these large animals may react aggressively to perceived threats. Dog owners may also be liable if their dog worries livestock or causes them injury.
What Is the Law About Dogs Around Livestock?
Dog owners have a legal responsibility to ensure their pets do not disturb or harm livestock. In the UK, the law is clear: allowing a dog to chase, attack, or worry farm animals can result in serious consequences for both the owner and the dog. Understanding your legal obligations is crucial to keeping your dog safe and respecting the rights of farmers and landowners.
The Law on Livestock Worrying
Under the Dogs (Protection of Livestock) Act 1953, it is an offence for a dog to worry livestock on agricultural land. “Worrying” includes:
- Attacking livestock;
- Chasing livestock in such a way that injury or suffering is likely to be caused (this includes indirect injury or harm);
- Being at large (i.e. not on a lead or otherwise under close control) in a field or enclosure in which there are sheep
If a dog is found to be worrying livestock, the owner or handler could face a fine of up to £1000, as well as victim surcharge, plus costs and compensation claims. In extreme cases, the courts may order that the dog is destroyed.
Can Farmers Shoot Dogs?
The law also grants farmers the right to protect their animals. If a dog is actively worrying or attacking livestock, a farmer has the legal right to shoot the dog to prevent further harm. This is a last resort; the dog must be actively and immediately endangering the livestock, and there must be no other way to control the situation. Despite this, this still remains a significant risk for dogs and their owners.
Public Rights of Way and Private Land
Even if a footpath crosses farmland, dog owners must follow the Countryside Code, which advises keeping dogs on a lead near livestock. In England and Wales, farmers can temporarily close public footpaths through fields with cows and calves if they believe there is a safety risk.
If a dog strays onto private farmland and causes damage, the owner may be liable for compensation. This includes situations where livestock break through fencing or injure themselves due to being chased.
Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Bill
Proposed new legislation aims to give police greater powers to take action against dog owners whose pets attack or worry livestock. If passed, the law would grant officers the authority to seize dogs involved in serious incidents, enter properties with greater ease, and collect evidence samples from both livestock and dogs to support investigations. This amendment has been introduced in response to a significant rise in livestock numbers across the UK, as well as an increase in countryside visitors since 1953. The bill also seeks to expand the legal definition of livestock to include animals such as alpacas and llamas while extending enforcement powers to cover incidents on roads and public paths. Although the bill has yet to pass through all stages of Parliament, it could come into force in the near future.
How to Manage Dogs Around Livestock Safely
Responsible dog ownership in the countryside means keeping your dog under control to protect both farm animals and your pet. Even well-trained dogs can become excited or anxious around livestock, so it’s important to take precautions. Using safe handling equipment, such as a secure lead and well-fitted harness, can help you maintain control in rural areas. Planning your route carefully to avoid fields with livestock, especially during lambing or calving season, reduces the risk of unexpected encounters. Positive, reward-based training methods, including strong recall and teaching your dog to focus on you, can also help your dog remain focused and responsive in these environments. With the right preparation and awareness, you can enjoy countryside walks safely while respecting the animals and farmers who share the land.
Ethical Equipment for Safe Walks
Investing in the right equipment is key to managing your dog safely:
Harnesses
A well-fitted harness offers better control and avoids putting pressure on your dog’s neck, which can cause discomfort or damage if your dog pulls. Harnesses can also offer more security and reduce the risk of your dog breaking free. This is especially an important consideration when managing dogs around livestock.
Long Lines
For dogs still working on their recall, a long line allows them some freedom while ensuring you can keep them under control. Even if your dog usually has solid recall, keeping your dog attached on a long line is still a sensible approach in areas where there may be other animals in case your dog’s instincts to chase kick in.
Leads
In certain environments, long lines will not be suitable, such as in environments with lots of shrubbery, as long lines can get tangled easily. You also need to feel confident using a long line and being able to reel your dog closer to you quickly in case livestock appears. Long lines are also unsuitable in areas densely populated with livestock, as you may struggle to prevent your dog from approaching them. In these situations, short leads are a more sensible tool as they keep your dog close to you. Do not use slip leads, as dogs can easily break loose from them, and they cause discomfort or pain to a dog’s neck when they tighten.
Muzzles
If your dog has a bite history or has the potential to bite another person or animal, then muzzling your dog will be a sensible approach. Muzzles should be introduced very gradually and paired up with positive experiences, such as treats. You should also opt for ‘basket’ style muzzles, as these allow your dog to open their mouths to pant, which is especially important when exercising your dog.
No Aversive Equipment
Avoid using aversive equipment such as prong collars, choke chains, or electric shock devices. These methods can cause pain, distress, and worsen behavioural issues. Never shout at your dog if they do not do as you ask, otherwise, you risk damaging your bond with them and increasing their anxiety.
Building Reliable Recall
A strong recall is one of the most valuable skills for keeping your dog safe. Use these tips to build a reliable response:
- Start training in quiet, distraction-free environments and gradually progress to busier areas.
- Use high-value treats such as cheese, chicken, or sausage to reward your dog generously for returning to you.
- Incorporate a distinctive recall cue, such as a whistle, which carries well across open spaces.
- Regularly practice recall in safe environments, reinforcing good behaviour even when distractions are low.
However, even if your dog has a reliable recall cue, it’s safer to keep them on lead around livestock than relying on your dog coming back to you when called.
Need help with training your dog recall? Get in touch with us at Second Nature Behaviour today!
Teaching a Strong ‘Leave It’ or ‘Boring’ Cue
Training your dog to ignore livestock is vital:
- Begin by teaching ‘leave it’ with low-value items before progressing to more tempting distractions.
- Reward your dog for turning their attention away from the object and back to you.
- Gradually increase the challenge by practising near livestock at a safe distance, rewarding calm behaviour.
- Always use high-value treats like chicken or sausage when your dog leaves something alone when asked.
Need help teaching your dog the “leave it” cue? Get in touch with us at Second Nature Behaviour for further guidance.
Teaching Your Dog to Focus on You
Effectively teaching your dog to focus on you instead of livestock can be a very useful tool. Use these tips to train your dog to focus on you on cue:
- Hold a tasty treat in front of your dog’s nose and then hold it next to your eye.
- If your dog makes eye contact with you, praise and reward them with the treat.
- Keep practising this until your dog looks at you whenever you move the treat next to your eye.
- Eventually, introduce the cue “watch” and try removing the treat as a lure.
- Always reward your dog with a treat for focusing on you when requested.
Managing Walks Responsibly
Even with well-trained dogs, additional precautions are important:
- Always keep your dog on a short lead when walking through fields with livestock.
- Be aware of signage that may indicate livestock presence, and choose alternative routes if necessary.
- If you find yourself unexpectedly surrounded by livestock, stay calm, keep your dog on the lead, and leave the area as quickly and safely as possible.
Positive Experiences, Positive Outcomes
Reward-based training builds trust and strengthens your bond with your dog. By combining ethical equipment with positive reinforcement techniques, you can ensure your dog behaves appropriately around livestock without resorting to fear or punishment.
For tailored advice or support with behaviour challenges, Second Nature Behaviour is here to help. Contact us today to ensure your countryside adventures are safe and enjoyable for both you and your dog.