Family attacked

Report number: 1240 Date 9/5/26 Location: Newlyns Farm field, Lodge Farm Odiham, Hampshire

Bec’s Report: “2 children (8y and 14y) along with their Aunt and dog entered field through kissing gate coming from the canal tow path into field. Aunt holds onto dog collar as the dog owner (my father 73) and myself are a few metres behind them. The first group (children, Aunt, dog) walk along footpath into field, myself and father enter field some seconds later approx 10-15 metres behind. By the time the first group reaches a bridge crossing the stream at the middle of the field one cow begins to bellow and the children become scared. Aunt and dog stop to wait for my father who has the dog lead as aunt is currently walking hunched over holding the dogs collar. I walk faster to catch up with my children, we walk together towards gate at opposite side of field quickly but not running. As we are walking away from my father, Aunt and dog we continue to hear bellowing of the cow and I see it is moving towards them. There are many cows and calves in the field, at least 20 I think, maybe more. Many cows are slowly advancing towards us but one particular big brown cow (the one who is bellowing) circles around and charges at my father who is now holding onto the dog collar and trying to put lead on.”

“The cow gets close to my father and lowers its head and slams into him in the lower right back. He is thrown forwards and collides with aunt – they hit heads and are thrown to the ground. I tell children to run towards gate as we are close to it (maybe 10 meters) and they get out safely. My daughter saw the brown cow which charged and hit my father rear up onto its hind legs after the initial charge and trample my father. My sister/the aunt is then knocked to the ground by a second cow’s head shoving her. I run back to help. The dog is on the ground so I grab her collar and pull her a couple of paces towards the gate then release her, she runs to the gate and my daughter lets her through. My father, sister and I walk as quickly as we can manage towards and out of the gate to safety.
My father has 2 broken ribs. A cut on his head and his arm. My sister (the aunt) had a lump on her head which had since turned to a black eye. She also had aches in her neck and arms.
We were all in shock and tested cuts on face and arms with first aid kit from local shop. My father said his back hurt but he just wanted to go home. He went to A&E the following day where they said he had broken his ribs and he should stay in for observation.”
Bec’s adds “There should be a huge, unmissable sign on each of the gates into the field. With simple visual pictures as well as words showing the danger and stating that there is a risk of serious injury if you enter the field.”