For years, our daily walks with our beloved canines have been filled with unexpected encounters with livestock along respected public footpaths. Recently, these surprise meetings are unfortunately increasing. We, dog walkers striving to exercise responsibility, have found it challenging to pre-check these routes in advance. These incidents aren't just problematic for us but also pose potential risk to the livestock and their owners. Therefore, we are proposing a requirement for all livestock farmers to provide clear and visible signage in their fields.

As well as incidents with dogs, attacks and incidents with the public also occur.

Roughly 22 people in the UK died in livestock-related incidents between 2015 to 2020, according to a Health and Safety Executive report.

Moreover, livestock worrying is a serious and growing issue, with the number of incidents reported to police having risen by approximately 10% since 2013.

 In Wales, the cost of such incidents to farmers is estimated to be around £1.2m annually, according to the National Sheep Association.

This solution represents a simple, cost-effective way to help prevent these accidents.

This proposal calls for informative and comprehensive signs at each sight livestock is grazing, that would include:

1. The times of the year when livestock are present in particular fields.
2. Which fields this applies to, considering rotations.
3. What livestock is present.
4. Details of who to contact in case of an injured animal or emergency. 

As signages are key to promoting agricultural safety and maintaining harmony between walkers, farmers, and livestock, it's high time that our rural policies reflect this.

Please sign this petition, urging local authorities to enforce mandatory livestock field signage regulations to protect both humans and animals alike.