Report No: 889
Date of Incident: 19/06/24
Location: Footpath near Shireoaks Road, Mount Pleasant, Belper, Derbyshire – GR (as given by respondent) 53.0331277-1.4969888
Dogs 1 on lead
Herd of black cattle
Account by local walker: “The fields are on the valley sides, so it can be a bit steep in places. There are 2 paths parallel to each other that run along the slopes. I could see a herd of black cattle ahead on the lower path, so I kept my border terrier on a short lead & walked along the upper path to get enough distance to could get around the cattle safely. I knew that path goes through & under some trees and was worried some of the herd may also be there, plus it was just starting to get dark, so it would be difficult to see any black cows ahead. I dropped back down onto the more open lower path once I’d passed the herd, not noticing there were more cattle up ahead. I cautiously dropped lower off the path to keep away but they started to look interested & move towards me. I kept the dog on a short lead as I know she would want to protect me if they charged & get trampled on. I threw my arms open & kept ordering them away. A few would stop then others would start coming at me again. I had to do this a few times before they finally stayed put. I honestly thought they were all going to charge. I wouldn’t be able to run away from them. It was very frightening, especially as I was on my own.
It definitely spoilt what I’d hoped would be a relaxing evening walk.”
Local walker would like “Temporary electric fencing to keep cows off paths when they are in the fields – to become legal.”
Cattle Safety 