Question
Her Majesty's Government whether they intend to legislate to prohibit farmers from placing (1) bulls, and (2) cows with calves, in fields traversed by a public footpath.
Answer
Section 59 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 bans bulls of seven recognised dairy breeds (Ayrshire, British Friesian, British Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry) that are over the age of ten months, in all circumstances, from being at large in fields crossed by public rights of way.
Bulls of all other breeds (again over the age of ten months) are also banned from fields crossed by public rights of way unless accompanied by cows or heifers. There are no specific prohibitions on the keeping of cattle other than bulls aged over ten months.