Report 1256 Response ID 329,756,083 17/5/26 2 people and dogs Location: Staplehay, Trull Somerset, Spearcey Farm
SW’s report: It’s a public footpath with 2 adjoining fields, with a river on one side, which the cows also access regularly. As we entered the second field we immediately noticed that there were 2 or 3 calves with the 20 or so cows (the bull we noticed later). Within 10 m of entering the field the cows started running towards us so we immediately let off the dogs. Unfortunately one is slightly geriatric and a little unaware of her surrounding, so she trotted 3-5 meters from the path at which point she was immediately charged. The cows then surrounded her and started to use her as a football, basically taking turns to butt and try to stamp her. We of course were terrified and tried to make some noise and scare them off of her, to little or no avail.
Then she became still so we assumed she was dead, and at which point the cows stopped. I moved in to grab her by the collar to drag her away, at which point she twitched and the cows again rushed to get to, this time both her and me. I was charged, butted and pushed over and then stamped on my leg. As the cows then tried to surround me as well, the farmer appeared at the top of the field and called them off. His comment was “you shouldn’t have your dogs off of the lead”. He made no inquiry as to whether we were okay. The whole incident latest 3-5 minutes.
Our dog was battered and bruised. Immediately went to the vet for examination and pain killers administered but, to us, remarkably within 7 days she had recovered.
My leg had a large lump on my tibia and I was recommended by a GP friend to have an x ray two weeks later given it had not subsided and was very tender. The resultant was an X-ray and examination which diagnosed a haematoma but no broken bones.
I believe it should be compulsory that if there is a public footpath through a field with cows, calves and a bull, then there should be notices to warn walkers. Not only that they are there but that that they could become aggressive particularly if dogs are present. I am an avid supporter of British farmers and indeed many of my friends are farmers, all of whom believe that there should have been adequate signage.
Killer Cows comment: HSE guidance for farmers : Wherever possible keep cattle in fields that do not have public access, especially when cattle are calving or have calves at foot.
Killer Cows also note that NFU Mutual has launched new signage (see below) to help the public stay safe around cattle, encouraging walkers to move quietly, keep dogs on leads, and give cows space. This initiative aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with livestock encounters. Not sure it would have helped prevent this attack!
Cattle Safety 