Sparkwell cattle thugs

Sophie was attacked and chased by killer cows

Response ID 290,510,909

report number 779

30/11/2014

In field near Sparkwell, Devon, PL21 area

I was out for a run with my dog. I was about to run through a field along a public bridleway. I saw there were about 20 cows and a few young ones at the top of the field so stopped and put my dog on a lead and continued to run across the field. As I entered the field the cows started moving towards me then started running my way. I ran to the far corner where there were steps over the fence. I arrived at the steps about the same time as the cows.

I picked my dog up and threw him over the gate as the cows hit me and pinned me against the gate. I somehow wriggled free and got over the gate. I had bad bruising on my right upper body but no lasting damage just really lucky I think. My dog was unharmed.

Killer Cattle comment: “This attack by dangerous cattle was 10 years ago and cattle attacks and scares continue – with, it seems, increasing numbers. At the date I’ve written this account up there are 806 cattle incidents reported onto our site. 421 involved NO dog, in 386 incidents there was a dog present. 341 involved a single person, 327 a couple and 120 a small group of 3-5 people.

Luckily 511 of our reports involved no injuries (but most of these were badly scared), 192 had minor injuries, 59 significant injuries, 19 suffered serious, potentially fatal injuries, 3 sadly died.

This is a serious public safety issue.”

7 thoughts on “Sparkwell cattle thugs”

    1. Hello Martin, no, we recommend people report attacks to HSE so HSE can decide whether they will investigate. We are asking for there to be a central database where all cattle incidents are logged – big and small, so that dangerous animals can be identified. By collecting our data we are gathering evidence to show the scale of the problem and the need for action. If a serious injury is reported that hasn’t been notified to HSE then we would send a notification – but it’s generally best if the victims do this, so they can give as much detail as possible.
      We are in liaison with organisations and groups trying to effect change.

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  1. Could you please let me know if the data you have revised is over the last 10 years or more recently?
    Many thanks Vicki

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    1. Hello Vicki, our site began collecting reports in 2017, initially quite slowly. Approx 200 reports have been logged this year – this increase may be due to increased awareness of our site. Our figures are probably just the tip of the iceberg – many incidents will not be known about and not reported to anyone, so the true scale of the dangers posed by cattle to the general public is hidden.

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