The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957
The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 sets out the duty of care you owe to your visitors – ie. people you invite onto or permit to use your land or premises, whether expressly or by implication.
Visitors in this sense include the postman or children on a pre-arranged visit.You must take reasonable care that these visitors will be reasonably safe doing whatever it is you have invited or permitted them to do on your premises or land.
Owners of Pet dogs should be aware that the displaying of any sign which implies that any dogs within a residence are guard dogs could leave them open to the law in certain circumstances, and also could imply that they were aware that their animals could pose a risk under the Dogs Act 1871, Animals Act 1971, or even potentially the Guard Dogs Act 1975
Any such sign should be carefully worded. "Caution Dogs Running Free" signs would encompass that people take care to close the gate, whereas "Im on Guard" signs may imply your pet is kept as a guard dog or that you are aware that it might be dangerous.
