Bridleways
Leicestershire County Council is the responsible authority for the Rights of Way network.
Burton Overy Parish Council works to protect public rights of way within the parish.
The Countryside Code
There are seven working farms within Burton Overy parish. The welfare of animals and livelihood of farming families relies on the consideration of visitors who use footpaths and bridleways.
The Countryside Code offers guidance on the responsibilities for visitors to the countryside and those who manage the land.
The Countryside Code (PDF, 2.7 Mb)
Sheep Worrying
Dog attacks on sheep seem to be increasing. Sheepwatch UK is a new initiative which is trying to help people work together to reduce the number of attacks on sheep and support responsible dog ownership.
It's not just the injured that suffer
When dogs chase sheep, they are placed under stress (even if they are not bitten), and this can have several effects:
- they may die later that day or later that week from shock
- they may abort their lambs
- they may be too stressed to conceive
- some just lie down and won't get up again
Sheep worrying is a crime and anyone witnessing dogs attacking or chasing sheep should report this to the police.
https://www.nationalsheep.org.uk/dog-owners/sheep-worrying/
Local farmers can also join Rural Watch details of which can be found here: https://leics.police.uk/categories/rural-watch