STAFF at an animal sanctuary and Vale farmers in The Littletons, are incensed at the county council's decision to reopen footpaths.

They say the move puts their healthy animals at risk from foot and mouth and is totally ridiculous while strict rules are still in place relating to animal movements and disinfecting.

Now landowners say anyone from anywhere in the country can stroll through herds of sheep and cattle with their pets.

Janet Taylor of the Farm Animal Sanctuary at Middle Littleton said: "Everyone knows this disease has not gone away.

"I can understand footpaths being open where there is no livestock but to give people the go-ahead to walk their dogs through stock is absolute lunacy.

"My sheep sheerer must have a licence from Defra (Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) before he can come on to our land, and his dog is banned - isn't it stupid that everybody else's can walk free?

Neighbouring farmer, Joan Bomford said: "It's a farce.

"I had no end of trouble trying to get one bull moved to a neighbouring farm - it's been a nightmare trying to get a licence.

"Now ramblers from anywhere in the country can walk through our fields with dog."

Most of the county's "open pathway" notices have been removed from around the Littletons, and many of the landowners are putting up their own, appealing to walkers to continue to stay off footpaths.

The dispute started after Worcestershire County Council heeded guidance from Defra to reopen all rights of ways except those in risk areas surrounded by protection zones.

The county's countryside manager, Ian Bamforth, said: "All we are doing is following Defra's strong guidance after government vets carried out risk assessments.

"I can sympathise with landowners but if any of our notices have been removed we will be out to reinstate them again."