Walking dogs in rural areas comes with additional responsibility.

The NFU regularly highlights the impact dogs can have on farmland, livestock and rural livelihoods. Even well-intentioned behaviour can cause harm if practical realities are not properly managed.

Responsible dog walking near farmland protects animals, land and continued access for walkers.

Why Farmers Are So Concerned

Farmers deal with risks most dog owners never see.

Dog waste can:

  • Carry disease

  • Contaminate grazing land

  • Pose risks to livestock health

Even small lapses can have serious consequences.

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The Challenge for Dog Walkers

Rural walks often mean:

  • No bins

  • Long distances

  • Open land with livestock nearby

Carrying waste for the full walk is unavoidable and uncomfortable without the right setup.

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Practical Responsibility on Rural Walks

The Dicky Bag supports responsible rural dog walking by allowing waste to be:

  • Carried securely

  • Kept contained

  • Removed from farmland entirely

This helps dog owners meet expectations set out by organisations like the NFU.

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FAQs

Is this endorsed by the NFU?

No. This page references widely recognised rural guidance only.

Why is dog waste such a concern on farmland?

It can carry disease and affect livestock health.