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Farmers face an increasing danger of being sued because of the actions of their animals, an agricultural commentator has claimed.
Collumist Paddy Rooney, writing for WalesOnline, said there was now a widespread fear of public liability claims, "exemplified" by a case involving a spooked horse which bolted and caused a traffic accident.
Mr Rooney said damages were awarded against the horse's owner, meaning farmers with mountain grazing rights could face problems such as personal injury claims.
Writing on the website, he said: "If a lamb, panicking at the approach of a car, caused the driver to swerve off the road, suffering serious injury but also killing the lamb, where would liability rest?"
He also claimed health and safety legislation could end up threatening farming shows which feature livestock and other animals.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issues special advice to farmers running farm open days, suggesting they set up routes around their properties to divert visitors from non-access areas where work may be going on.
All open farms, and especially those that encourage contact between visitors and animals, should provide washing facilities, the HSE adds.
