We have been collecting data since July 2017, using a self-reporting form on our website, and have amassed over 660 incidents involving walkers and cattle. Our data depends on victims finding our website and taking the time to fill in a form. It only represents the tip of the iceberg. Deaths and very serious injuries are often NOT reported, as either the victim or their family is too traumatised to relive their experiences.
Headline facts:
665 incidents reported in England and Wales.
24% resulted in minor injuries, and another 9% in more serious injuries.
Nearly 20% required some sort of medical assessment or intervention.
Half the incidents involved cows with no visible calves in the field.
Less than half the incidents involved a dog.
20 breeds of cattle were mentioned, including breeds considered ‘safe’
Only 1 in 8 people reported seeing warning signs.
Only 44% reported the incident to an authority, and 87% said no investigation was taking place.
Read the full July 2023 DATA REPORT
Cattle Safety 
I`ve recently heard 2 or more people say they are confident/not scared around cattle before being attacked. Maybe this suggests a lack of caution/appreciation of the dangers &/or a belief (myth?) that animals pick on you if you are nervous, so confidence somehow protects. Possibly blase`. Alertness is key, Size is an issue,they will pick on smaller people. Aggression may be needed to defend yourself. I think breed & breeding for docility must be an issue from my own experience, large herds/farms with animals managed at a distance will miss this- unnoticed rogue aggressive animals. My own docile Hereford `pets` have stampeded people off a footpath when short of grazing & looking to be fed. Flies, hormones, heat.. lots of issues cause agitation. Very good comments on R4 `PM`? recently.
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