Farmers Weekly Business Clinic: Who’s at fault if an animal strays onto my farmland?

Who is responsible for straying animals and what is the “hedge and ditch” rule?

In this month’s Business Clinic, a farmer asks who is responsible if livestock cross the centre point of a boundary hedge or any adjacent river. And if they cross these points and cause damage to the hedge bank or any fences, is the owner culpable? 

Writing for Farmers Weekly, Ken Kaar, an associate in Thrings’ Agriculture team, explores the subject of responsibility when animals enter land without permission, and explains how ‘hedge and ditch presumption’ can affect the start and end point of a property.

Click here to read the full article in Farmers Weekly.

To discuss this matter further, please contact Ken Kaar or another member of Thrings’ specialist Agriculture team.