Thank goodness the cows stopped their charge!!!

Incident number: 772

Response number: 289,529,493

29^th August 2023

Near the village of Gotherington (GL52 9QX)

The local farmer has a herd of cows in the lower field near the railway line, and as the day continues they migrate up to the top field. It is a large field with two footpaths leading through it. I was walking my dog on a lead and at some distance to the cows, as I took a wide berth allowing them plenty of space. Both the exit points to the field were blocked by the cows so I waited some time for them to move away. I was there for some time until I made the decision to try and pass by safely. I proceeded slowly with caution and allowed them time to see me. (all the time the dog was on a lead.) I got halfway down the hill when one cow on my right at quite a distance saw me and started mooing. The cows behind me started mooing as well and started to run down towards me. The cow on my right took speed and charged at me running up the hill very fast. I was surrounded. I had no way of escaping. I stood with my arms out (like a starfish) and shouted and cried at full volume. The cows behind me running and mooing in great distress. The cow on my right is still in full charge mode. I continued to scream and wave my arms around, and she stopped within 10 feet of me. I slowly reversed up the hill keeping a close eye on all the cows who had surrounded and I managed to get some distance from them and get out of danger. I then had a much longer walk around and along a dangerous main road to get home safely. My neighbour kindly came and found me halfway back home as I was in great distress. There are many skid marks in the grass indicating what had happened if you need any photographic evidence. This has happened before to my son and after speaking to other members of the public who have had similar situations.

I reported to Heath and Safety Executive and they are investigating.