public footpaths and geese,is there a byelaw against it?

[craghopper]

I'll explain,a public f/p near where i live runs through a recently converted derelict farmhouse,literally right past the front door.This has now become occupied but the owners have several geese who are not walker friendly.Is this ok as it is a well walked route?

[angry climber]

Geese dont like intruders to there flock. For years the local whiskey bonds have used flocks of geese as security if anyone enters the site they make loads of noise. Better than gaurd dogs and are easy to look after 

[joester]

See here:
 
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais17ew.pdf
 
- The law regarding livestock in fields with public access seems only to apply to certain breeds of bull.
 
(further see here: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/RevisedStatutes/Acts/ukpga/1981/cukpga_19810069_en_1 under section 59).
 
However, under civil law the livestock's owner has a duty of care to other people, and is liable for any injury they may cause.  As part of this duty of care they would need to have demonstrated due dilligence in the case that an animal injured a member of the public (I.e. a 'beware of the goose' sign would probably suffice).
 
Short answer is yes - it is 'ok' in that they're allowed.

[craghopper]

cheers joester,i'll not forget my stick next time 

[jonesy]

If you are confronted by Geese, who are defending their territory. Make like a Goose. Hiss, spread your arms like wings, and flap them. If you feel up to it, run at the Geese, while doing Goose stuff. Just make sure no one has a camera phone in their hands first 

I grew up on farms, and this approach used to work for me as a nipper. Geese are bullies at heart.

[craghopper]

i'll bear that in mind jonesy,cheers

[yeti]

http://www.ramblers.org.uk/rights_of_way/knowledge_portal/advice_notes/animals.htm
 
Some light reading with some further links for more info.

[craghopper]

cheers yeti

[yeti]

I wonder if a goose can get an asbo lol

[Madmax Jnr]

are geese livestock? I would have said Poultry.

[joester]

are geese livestock? I would have said Poultry.

Yes.
OED:
 
livestock: animals, especially on a farm, regarded as an asset.
 

run at the Geese, while doing Goose stuff.

Eating corn?!

[craghopper]

I think i'd just rather do my 3 musketeers bit with my stick 

[barewirewalker]

If you are confronted by Geese, who are defending their territory. Make like a Goose. Hiss, spread your arms like wings, and flap them. If you feel up to it, run at the Geese, while doing Goose stuff. Just make sure no one has a camera phone in their hands first 

I grew up on farms, and this approach used to work for me as a nipper. Geese are bullies at heart.

Add "Sage and Onion stuffing" between hisses, helps to improve a more assertive delivery.

[jonesy]

   
Eating corn?!

All you have to do is make them think you are the bigger Goose. I'm thinking that eating corn might seem a little passive 

[Peter]

Presumably these people don't want us to darken their privacy... even though the property was worth less because of the right of way.
 
I had this problem. A ROW went through my garden, made it harder to sell. Some people simply don't want to share.