Ruth Livingstone

Effective Fencing Options for Farmers: separating cattle and walkers

We discuss how to safely accommodate walkers where public rights of way cross cattle-grazed fields. We emphasise the importance of separating cattle and people, explore fencing options, highlight the advantages and limitations of electric fencing, and suggest how farmers can avoid unnecessary expense.

How can walkers be safely accommodated where cattle graze on fields crossed by public rights of way (PROWs)? Read our summary, or download our full briefing letter for farmers / landowners.

2024 Data Report: headlines

COWS probably hold more information about cattle attacks than any other organisation in the UK. We looked at our database and have brought you the headline figures.

As of July 2024, we have collected 889 cattle incidents in England and Wales, reported to us over the past 7 years, using our self-reporting online form. You can read the full 2024 Data Report here: Cumulative Data Report, 2024

C.S story: a family chased by cattle.

The whole herd moved towards us and began to charge.

On the 30th July, 2023, my family and I were walking near Denbigh on a signed public footpath which turned across a field, again clearly signposted. I was with my son, daughter, daughter-in-law, and four year old grandson.

Nick’s Story: trampled by an attacking cow

A large female cow started to attack without warning. I was struck three times.

On the 23rd July, 2023, I was walking on a public footpath near the village of Hawkley in Hampshire (the Liss Footpath between Snailing Lane and B3006, Hawkley CP Footpath reference 109/19/1). I was on my own with my dog on a lead.

Sharn’s story: trampled by a herd of cows

I heard a thunder of hooves from behind, but too late to take evasive action.

In May, 2015, I was attacked by cattle – an incident that would change my life for ever.

Jeremy Vine: talking about cattle attacks

We share excerpts from the recent Jeremy Vine radio programme.

On the 21st July, 2023, Jeremy Vine on BBC Radio2 discussed cattle attacks on the public, and interviewed COWS member, Libby James. An animal behavioural scientist gave her views (although these views were unsupported by the evidence from our data base) and another victim of cattle, Sharn Thomas, told her story. Other people contacted the show and related their experiences, including a horse rider whose horse was attacked on a bridleway.

Paula’s Story: chased by Belted Galloway cattle

Lucky to escape alive… charged by cows in a country park.

On the 3rd of April 2021, my friend and I were walking our dogs on leads in Hastings Country park. A group of belted Galloway cattle were all mingling around a gate. We saw them up ahead, way before they saw us, so we slowly turned around and started walking slowly back down the hill.

Cattle Attacks: Headlines from our Data Report

We have been collecting data since July 2017, using a self-reporting form on our website, and have amassed over 660 incidents involving walkers and cattle. Our data depends on victims finding our website and taking the time to fill in a form. It only represents the tip of the iceberg. Deaths and very serious injuries are often NOT reported, as either the victim or their family is too traumatised to relive their experiences.

Natural Born Killers, by Siân Boyle

We discuss the recent Sunday Times article. THANK YOU to everbody who had contributed their stories.

The Sunday Times recently published a long piece on cattle attacks by Siân Boyle. The article featured on the front cover of the magazine, had a full 2-page title spread inside, along with 5 pages of information and personal accounts.

Libby talking on PM, Radio 4

Libby talks to Evan Davis on Radio 4

On Monday, 19th of June, one of our members was interviewed by Evan Davis for BBC Radio 4’s PM program. The topic was cow attacks, amid the flurry of interest since the publication of a feature on cattle attacks in the Sunday Times Magazine on Sunday.

Listen to Libby describe what happened to her…

HSE and cattle attacks

Please report any cattle incidents to the Health and Safety Executive. They have the ability to investigate and can instruct the farmer to take action.

https://killercows.co.uk/health-and-safety-executive-and-cattle-attacks/

Seasoned Hiker: chased by aggressive cows

If I hadn’t run away, they would have trampled me for sure.

On the 5th November, 2022, I was walking on my own along a public footpath near Watermills Wood in Staffordshire. I could see around 15-20 young cows in the field, but the footpath led straight up the edge of the field to a farmhouse only about 200 metres away. It was raining heavily.