Is it legal to keep a bull on a bridlepath?

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myhorsefred

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Out hacking a few days ago, i noticed a bull in a field which had a bridlepath running through it.

Is it legal to keep a bull in a field that has a bridlepath in it?

thanks
 
Yes, if it is a non dairy breed - I went through this myself, facing a bull and I couldn't tell what breed of cattle they were.
 
Can I ask why not a dairy breed? We are dairy farmers and I was not aware of this (by the way we don't have bridleway going through our land, was just interested
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Hi,

Like Ravenwood I had this query. I contacted the NFU. This is the information I was given, albeit about 10 years ago now, so presumably it may be out of date.

Apparently, Beef bulls are permitted to graze on land with public access IF they are with cows, Beef breeds, I was informed, are more docile than Dairy breeds.

It is not legal for Dairy bulls, with or without cows to graze upon land with public access.

I had to walk about half a mile along a footpath to reach my field, the charolais there was never a problem at all, saying that, I always kept an eye on him, never took dogs up there and had my daughter (then a toddler) between the hedge and the bull just in case I had tp physically throw her in it out of the way . A bit like having a stallion, I never took his apparent good nature for granted and was always aware of where he was, if need be, on occasions, we took slight detours.
 
I think it is exactly as Enfys has pointed out. The cattle I came across were an ancient rare breed (I later found out) - hence I didn't know how docile the bull might be! We have plenty of beef bulls here and they are always absolutely fine, no problem at all - probably too knackered to charge anyway!!!

But I am led to believe (not a cattle expert by any means) that dairy bulls are more aggressive/dangerous than beef.
 
Thanks everybody.

Thank you Shilasdair for the photos. Got to say I would rather not meet any of that lot, beef or otherwise! Very scary. (I am afraid of cows, so am terrififed of bulls)
 
Thanks for the guide, although being farmers I did know the difference
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I also know that dairy are more aggressive/ volatile. Just wasn't aware of the laws on public access, as I said, it isn't relevant to us anyway. And we only run a beef bull anyway as all out dairy 'breeding' is done by AI.

Just to comment on the above, as I'm sure you are all aware, never trust any bull, and watch out for any cattle, especially if you have a dog with you, even if it is on a lead. Cattle are extremely nosey, and could 'stampede' towards you just for a look!
 
I know, its quite scary!! Once whilst out shooting, I walked up over a rise with the dogs to look for a bird to come face to face with a cow who had a calf, who took great exception - it was a very frightening experience, I was actually trying to fend her off with a dog lead!!! Across the valley, the beaters were watching and dying with laughter - might not have been so funny if she was more determined!
 
i met a hereford bull out on the road hacking once, he was having a lovely walk through the sunken lanes of somerset!

also when we first moved into the hamlet one of the farmers asked if we had seen his bull, yep he had got into the habit of going off for walks and enjoying the view
 
We had a Devon ruby red called truffels... he was lovely, anyone could stroke him. Plus it was fantastic winding up visitor saying there was a bull in the field! hehehe does that make me evil? Townies are just so fun to play with! lol
 
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