Incident No. 936
Date of Incident. 21/08/24
Location. Witton Weavers Way, Maiden House Farm, Blackburn, Lancashire
Account “This is the second incident in this precise field in 18 months. The first incident I hold myself responsible; I didn’t know what to do in the event of a cow attack and, as they began to approach me, I ran (which caused the whole herd to stampede after me). Luckily, the gate to the field which is usually open to the adjoining field was closed that day, and I dived over it.
After this first event, I was duly rattled and then did a bit of research on what to do if I am ever in a similar situation again.
Today, when I entered the field and saw that there were cows on one side (but no calves), so I decided to walk slowly across it. A large cow (which I now think was a bull) trotted over to me straight away, followed by the other cows. Trying to follow the advice I had read after the first incident, I didn’t make eye contact and carried on walking calmly towards the second field – the gate of which was open. The bull began to lick my running backpack (which contained no food, just waterproofs and bivvy bag), the backs of my legs, bottom and arms. I ignored him and carried on walking. Up until about 30 yards away from the stile of the second field, the bull just licked me and seemed quite curious.
However, as I neared the end, he became aggressive (for no reason I can think of! My behaviour and demeanour hadn’t altered) and began to ram me with his head. Frightened, I said “No!” loudly and firmly and pushed his head away, but he continued to ram me, hurting my backside. I managed to edge the last few metres to the stile and dash over it. I was (am!) very shaken and worry what will happen to walkers with dogs, children or who might react differently.”
Respondent also states:- “I would like warning signs before entering fields with aggressive cattle. Or, better, specific cattle which have been reported as aggressive to be disallowed from grazing in fields with public right of way.”
Killer Cows have used the picture from The Ramblers website where information is given on how to walk through a field of cattle, here is the link to their page – https://www.ramblers.org.uk/go-walking-hub/how-walk-through-field-animals. This advice is sensible and may help walkers – but we have many reports from people who have followed this advice and still been charged at or scared so much they can no longer walk across footpaths for fear of meeting cattle. People need more than information, we need some cattle free walks where the livestock is safely on the other side of a fence.
Cattle Safety 