Are farmers legally entitled to shoot dogs on their property?

Although many farmers believe that they have the right to shoot a dog that is causing a nuisance on their land, the issue is a legal grey area.
By Andy Moffatt
Published 28th Feb 2019, 10:06 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2019, 11:13 BST
A farmer in Rivington says she will shoot dogs on her landA farmer in Rivington says she will shoot dogs on her land
A farmer in Rivington says she will shoot dogs on her land

The issue has come to the fore after a Rivington farmer said she would shoot any dog found on her land.

Read More
WARNING GRAPHIC IMAGE: "Dogs will be shot", warns Rivington farmer after rogue d...

If a dog belonging to somewhere else enters a farmer’s land, it amounts to trespass. That said, responding by shooting and injuring or even killing a trespassing dog amounts to a civil wrong, which, in turn, could mean the farmer is liable to the dog owner.

Megan Needham, of Higher Knoll Farm, issued the stern warning to dog owners after the latest attack on her flockMegan Needham, of Higher Knoll Farm, issued the stern warning to dog owners after the latest attack on her flock
Megan Needham, of Higher Knoll Farm, issued the stern warning to dog owners after the latest attack on her flock
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The Act goes further, and provides statutory defence to farmers who injure a dog in order to protect their livestock. To be able to rely on the defence, farmers will need to demonstrate that:

(a) there are no reasonable means of preventing the worrying (or the dog has been worrying livestock);

(b) the dog has not left the vicinity;

An image of one of Megan Needham's sheep after a dog attackAn image of one of Megan Needham's sheep after a dog attack
An image of one of Megan Needham's sheep after a dog attack

(c) the dog is not under an individual’s control; and

(d) There are no practicable means of ascertaining its owner. What constitutes the necessary practical steps will depend on the circumstances, but it could extend to trying to ascertain whether anybody in the immediate vicinity is the owner, and who would have the ability to bring the dog back under control.

In addition, if a dog is shot, it is crucial that the local police are notified within 48 hours.