Mainline Border Collie Centre

Don't think I need to say why I hate this, the person on the other end of the lead wasn't even looking at the dog but each time it moved she pulled up like it was luggage

Was it something I said?!

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE
Have a great day even if the weather isn't good

Vicki is celebrating by launching her shop at the farm as well as on line.
https://www.bordercollies.co.uk/shop/page/2/

I hope everyone has had a lovely Christmas and New Year. Sadly I did the same as last year, I was wide awake with good intentions at 11.15pm and then work up at 4 mins past midnight! The second time the new year has sneaked in on me!
However I've started it in good style, done some Tai Chi, done lots of stretching exercises and couldn't walk for back ache this morning, Yup same as last year😄

All our visitors are special and we thank everyone for their support but we would like to give this little girl a big Christmas thank you. This is the second Christmas that Aefre has asked her Daddy to bring up to see the collies and hand over her spending money, saved specially for the collies Christmas. She was so proud to hand over the envelope to Jen and she loved meeting Jay, one of our oldest boys who is usually full on, but was so gentle with her. Well Done Aefre we think you might be our youngest supporter and we are positive you will be on Santa's good list.

Merry Christmas and Happy New year from everyone at Mainline.

Still time for last minute pressies and stocking fillers in Wiggy's World of Arts and Crafts

Mainline Border Collie Centre – Border Collie & Dog Training Welcome to Mainline Border Collie and Behavioural Centre, home of The Freedom of Spirit Trust and founders of the original Sheepdog Experience and the TLC training technique. Here at Mainline in the heart of the Yorkshire moors the welcome is warm, the kettle is always on, the collies are eager and....

Dog owners & walkers: livestock worrying law important update
The law on dogs and livestock worrying has recently been updated in Britain. These changes matter and they apply even on public footpaths and rights of way.
This post explains:
• what has changed
• what counts as evidence
• what “under proper control” actually means
• whether seized dogs are killed
What has changed in the law
The Dogs (Protection of Livestock) legislation has been modernised. Key points:
Unlimited fines
The old £1,000 cap has gone. Courts can now impose unlimited fines reflecting the real harm caused.
More animals protected
'Livestock' now clearly includes alpacas and llamas, as well as sheep, cattle, goats, pigs and others.
More places covered
The law applies:
– in fields and enclosures
– on public footpaths
– on roads
– while livestock are being moved
Stronger police powers
Police can now:
– seize and detain dogs
– enter premises with a warrant
– collect forensic evidence
Worrying vs attacking livestock
This is crucial.
'Worrying livestock' includes:
• chasing
• running at
• harassing
• causing fear or panic
• being loose among livestock and not under proper control
No injury or physical contact is needed.
Stress alone is legally recognised harm. It can cause:
• miscarriages
• mis-mothering
• exhaustion
• broken limbs from fleeing
• long-term fear responses
Attacking livestock involves:
• biting
• grabbing
• injuring
• killing
Both worrying and attacking are criminal offences.
What counts as evidence now
Livestock worrying often happens out of sight. The law now reflects that.
Evidence may include:
• Injuries to livestock (including stress-related harm)
• Bite marks, wounds, post-mortems
• Blood, tissue, or DNA
• Evidence from the dog (blood, saliva, bite patterns)
• Collars, leads, towels or other items
• Disturbed ground, damaged fencing
• Witness statements
• Livestock behaviour (panic, scattering, distress)
• The dog itself, which may be seized for examination
A case does not need someone to witness the moment of chasing if evidence supports what happened.
What “under proper control” REALLY means
This is the most misunderstood part of the law.
A dog is under proper control only if the handler can prevent it from worrying livestock at all times
That means the handler must be able to:
• stop the dog before it approaches livestock
• prevent any chasing or rushing
• act instantly not “afterwards”
• maintain control even if animals move or run
If the dog is stopped after it has approached or chased livestock, control was already lost.
On a lead
A dog on a lead is usually under control only if
• the lead is short enough
• the handler can physically restrain the dog
• the handler is paying attention
Flexi leads, long lines, or dragging leads in livestock areas are often not considered proper control.
Off lead
A dog can be under proper control off lead but the bar is very high.
If a dog:
• runs towards livestock
• hesitates before recall
• “only chases for a bit”
• comes back after animals flee
.......it is not under proper control.
“Friendly”, “well trained”, or “never done it before” makes no difference in law.
NB Presence alone can be an offence
A loose dog among livestock, fence-running, or stalking can already count as worrying, even without a chase.
The law is about risk and stress, not intent.
A practical rule used in policing: If a reasonable livestock keeper would feel at risk with that dog there, it is not under proper control.
Are seized dogs killed?
No not usually, dogs are not automatically destroyed under livestock worrying law.
Dogs may be seized:
• to prevent repeat incidents
• to gather evidence
• during investigation
Courts usually focus on owner responsibility, not punishing the dog. Destruction orders are rare and would only arise under other legislation if a dog posed an unmanaged, serious risk.
In short
• Livestock do not need to be bitten for an offence
• Stress and chasing are recognised harm
• Evidence can be physical and forensic
• “Proper control” means preventing risk, not recalling afterwards
• Responsibility rests with the handler
This law exists to protect animals who cannot escape or speak for themselves and to make expectations clear for everyone who shares the countryside.
Please feel free to share as clarity prevents heartbreak.
This post is a general summary of current UK livestock-worrying law and practice, based on publicly available legislation and guidance. It is not legal advice and cannot account for individual circumstances.
https://www.nfuonline.com/updates-and-information/private-members-bill-on-livestock-worrying/

Our winter newsletter is now available for download on our website at the link below.
Please let us know if you like it, enjoy the content and what you would like to see in future newsletters. Without your feedback I'm just putting in what I hope you might like and find interesting, a bit of humour, stories, articles etc. But would love your thoughts and input
https://www.fostbc.org.uk/news/
Thank you
Barbara
ps please feel free to share as it's got lots of general plus festive info.

News – Fostbc AllArchivedNewsNewsletterSuccess Stories View Post Newsletters – winter 2025/26Keep up to date with all that's happening at The Freedom Of Spirit Trust For Border Collies Our latest newsletter…Read more View Post FOSTBC ExpansionFOSTBC began its life at Golcar Farm, my home and where I had a San...