Dogs on Social Walks LDWA  Policy Statement (17th February 2026)

The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025

The LDWA supports walk leaders in deciding whether dogs may join walks. The LDWA recognises that some members wish to bring dogs on organised walks. Local groups have different approaches in this area; there is no standard national policy, but all decisions must now reflect strengthened UK legislation on livestock protection, The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025, which comes into force 18th March 2026. 

Policy Statement
Local groups and walk leaders can decide on the most appropriate approach for their group/walk based on local circumstances and times of year.  Walk leaders or walk organisers retain the authority to decide whether dogs are permitted on a walk. If dogs are allowed, this must be clearly stated in advance. Assistance dogs are  welcome in accordance with the Equality Act 2010. Assistance dogs are highly trained; but if a route presents unavoidable risks the walk leader should discuss with the participant in advance. In this way, individual consideration can be taken to assess if adjustments may be possible. 

Legal Responsibilities (Updated for 2026)
Recent changes to UK law significantly increase the responsibilities of dog owners and those in charge of dogs during countryside access:
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) (Amendment) Act 2025 introduces stronger protections for livestock, including:

• Unlimited fines for livestock worrying offences (previously capped at £1,000).
• Police can now seize and detain dogs believed to pose an ongoing risk.
• The law now covers incidents on roads and public paths, not just agricultural land.
• Expansion of the definition of livestock to include camelids (e.g., llamas, alpacas).
• A dog does not need to make contact with livestock to commit an offence – clearer distinction between attacking and worrying livestock (chasing or being loose among livestock is enough).

LDWA Requirements for Social Walks Involving Dogs
The walk leader can insist on dogs being on leads, and in particular dogs must be kept on leads anywhere where there is a possibility of livestock. Owners must provide verbal confirmation to the walk leader that their dog is covered by pet owners’ liability insurance before the walk.

To comply with the updated law and protect livestock, landowners, and walkers:

• Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times when near livestock or in any area where livestock may reasonably be present.
• Walk leaders may require dogs to be on a lead for the entire walk.
• Owners must ensure their dog is under close control at all times, even when off-lead.
• Owners must provide verbal confirmation that their dog is covered by pet owner’s liability insurance before the walk
  
  Owners must understand that:

• A dog does not need to make physical contact with livestock to commit an offence; chasing or being loose among livestock is enough.
• They may face unlimited fines and potential police action if their dog worries livestock.

Walk Leader Guidance
Walk leaders should:

• Assess routes for livestock presence, terrain and seasonal risks.
• Clearly communicate dog requirements in advance (e.g., “dogs on leads at all times”).
• Remind owners of legal responsibilities at the start of the walk.
• Decline participation of any dog that appears uncontrolled or poses a risk.
• Be clear on publishing walks of any restrictions in advance.

Dogs on BBN Challenge Events
Dogs are allowed on some of our events, BUT NO DOGS are allowed inside any of the halls (except assistance dogs). ALL must be on leads at all times and MUST have appropriate liability insurance. 
No dogs are allowed on the Hannington Hike as the event is held during lambing season in a sheep farming area.

Dogs on BBN Group Social Walks
Ultimately the decision to allow dogs on walks rests with the walk leader or walk organiser, though if no dogs are allowed this must be made clear prior to the walk.
Please check with the walk leader before bringing a dog on a group walk.

Incidentally, advice on dogs from the Ramblers includes the following:
If cattle are running towards you, or you feel in any way in danger, then let your dog off the lead. Your dog will be able to get to safety and removing the dog from the situation will calm the cattle.