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Owners faced with hefty £1,000 fine if they break one countryside dog walk ruleDog owners are being warned to keep vigil around cows and sheep when taking their four-legged friends for a
walkCommentsNewsRebecca Jones07:30, 16 Feb 2025Updated 16:33, 16 Feb 2025Dog owners are being warned to keep vigil around cows and sheep(Image: Getty Images) Experts are warning of a
little-known dog-walking rule that, if not followed correctly, could result in hefty fines for owners.
The UK is fortunate to have an abundance of countryside, which means you're likely to encounter a farm or two during your travels.
It's common knowledge that dogs must be kept under control when out and about, but it's crucial to exercise extra caution when walking near sheep or cows to avoid distressing them.
Dog owners are legally required to prevent their pets from attacking or chasing livestock or being out of control off lead in a field. Failure to comply could result in a hefty fine of up
to £1,000.
READ MORE: 'I'm a doctor - truth about 10,000 steps a day rule surprises people'Dog owners should be mindful of the rules to follow to avoid a hefty fine It's important to note that even if
your dog doesn't physically harm an animal, it's still considered a criminal offence. Moreover, farmers are within their rights to shoot dogs they believe are threatening their livestock on
their property.
John Skinner, co-founder of TopDog, emphasises the importance of awareness among dog owners: "Most dog owners will take care when walking near a farm, or open field, but many are not aware
of the serious consequences if their dog gets too excited and starts to worry sheep or cows."
He advises extra vigilance when walking dogs in rural areas: "We would always advise that owners are extra vigil when walking in the countryside; keep an eye on signage about livestock in
fields, consider not letting your dog off the lead and take care to avoid walking in between adults and their young."
But it's not just livestock worrying that dog owners need to be mindful of; there are numerous other rules to follow when taking your dog for a walk.
One such rule is the requirement that all dogs wear an identity tag with their name, address, and contact number attached to their collar.
Even if you use a harness, it needs to be attached to a collar, and dog owners who are caught without one can face fines of up to £2,000.
Another law that often causes frustration is the failure to pick up dog poo. Owners who neglect to clean up after their pets and get caught could face an immediate £100 fine, or £1,000 if
prosecuted.
It's important to keep your dog's tag on their collars (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto) In some places, local councils are taking further measures to enforce these laws.
Dog owners could face fines if they're caught without poo bags in certain areas. Councils in Canterbury, Daventry and North Somerset are imposing penalties of up to £100 for anyone found
without at least two poo bags.
Article continues below Taking your furry friend for a beach walk is another activity that requires caution to avoid hefty fines.
Most beaches enforce restrictions from May to September, and violations can result in fines of up to £1,000.
However, numerous UK beaches permit dog walking throughout the year, so it's worth doing some research and planning ahead.