Animals Act 1971 for Agricultural Lawyers - Liability, Case Law & Risk Explored

Introduction

Claims involving animals continue to generate complex and often unpredictable liability issues under the Animals Act 1971.

This new virtual classroom seminar provides a clear, practical guide to navigating this challenging area of law, analysing the key causes of action where personal injury or damage is caused by animals. Updated with the latest case law, it focuses on how liability is assessed in real-world scenarios involving employers, landowners and livestock owners.

You will explore current ‘hot topics’ shaping the law today, including liability for loose animals on highways and the evolving interpretation of an animal’s ‘abnormal characteristic’ following Boyd v Hughes. The session also examines whether dogs off leads are ever acceptable in light of Koetsier v Thomas and the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000, as well as the legal and practical risks associated with rights of way across fields containing livestock.

Designed for agricultural lawyers defending or advising on animal-related injury claims, this session will equip you with up-to-date legal insight and practical strategies for managing risk and liability under the Animals Act 1971.

What You Will Learn

The session will cover the following:

• Animals Act 1971:
• Overview of the Act and key definitions
• The statutory test for liability for damage caused by non-dangerous animals
• Applying the statutory test in practice
• Liability for dog attacks on livestock
• Damage caused by trespassing livestock
• Scenario-based discussion - animals escaping onto highways, injuries to walkers on footpaths and access land and livestock worrying
• Available statutory and common law defences
• Other causes of action:
• Negligence
• Occupiers’ liability
• Employers’ liability
• Practical tips:
• Insurance considerations
• Use and effectiveness of signage
• Fencing and containment solutions

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.