Blog

Libby’s advice: how to reduce your risk from cattle.

I was one of those walkers who felt that people who worried about cows were just townies who didn’t understand them,

It’s summer time, we’re still in partial lockdown, and many people are turning to the British countryside for solace and recreation, without realising the risks. Libby’s advice has been published here before, but is worth repeating.

I learnt the hard way.

I was not at all worried about the dangers of being attacked by cattle… before I was trampled and viciously attacked. (Read my story here.)

Until then, I’m afraid to admit I was one of those walkers who felt that people who worried about cows were just townies who didn’t understand them, and I am ashamed to say I thought people who were attacked by cattle had dogs that were worrying the herd, or had done something wrong to spook the herd. Continue reading “Libby’s advice: how to reduce your risk from cattle.”

Christine’s story: turned back by cows

My dog was injured by an electric shock from the fence.

On the 5th of May, 2020, I was walking with my dog on a lead along the Reservoir Walk, near the Welford Reservoir in Northamptonshire.

I saw a group of cows in a field, and they had calves with them. Before we reached the field, the cows saw us coming and walked towards us (led by one particular cow). They walked quickly and were making quite a lot of noise.

Continue reading “Christine’s story: turned back by cows”

An unsuitable electric fence and an unusable footpath.

The electric fence seemed inadequate for cows.

An anonymous visitor reports:

On the 3rd May 2020, our family was walking along a footpath just south of Forty Acre Farm, in Alveston, Gloucestershire. We saw that a herd of cows had been moved into a field directly south of the farm.

Continue reading “An unsuitable electric fence and an unusable footpath.”

Lucky escape from a field of bullocks.

The bulls ran straight at me

A walker from Meriden tells his story.

On the 1/5/2020, I was walking on my own on a public footpath, close to the B4102, just south of Fillongley, North Warwickshire. When I entered a field, along the footpath, I saw about 10 large bullocks (I think they were about 2/3 the size of a fully grown bull and quite large).

Continue reading “Lucky escape from a field of bullocks.”

Petition about dangerous cattle ignored.

I know of several instances where dogs have been kicked and one lady chased.

In April, we received the following report from a Stourport resident. Sadly, this demonstrates how reluctant authorities are to take seriously the risk of injuries by cattle.

Continue reading “Petition about dangerous cattle ignored.”

Walker killed by cattle in the Dales

First reported death this year of a walker killed by cattle in the UK

[We are sad to report the first death this year of a walker killed by cattle in the UK.]

Death in Yorkshire

On the 30th May, a couple of elderly walkers were strolling through a field near Ingleborough, when they were attacked by a herd of cows. Tragically, the man died of his injuries. The woman was severely bruised, but survived.

According to the outdoors magazine ‘Grough‘, the walkers had two small terriers with them. According to other reports, the cows had calves which they may have been protecting. Read the BBC news report of the incident, which was also reported in the Yorkshire Evening Post.

Another death in the time of virus

While hundreds of people are dying every day from this horrible Covid-19 virus, it is easy to forget that the peaceful fields of England can contain hidden dangers too.

As the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions begin to ease, we urge people to be careful, and continue to report cattle attacks to us.

You can read some of our advice for walkers here.

 

Header photo by Gary Butterfield on Unsplash

Warning: avoid carrying plastic bags!

A close escape from cattle, and a lesson learnt.

This communication is just for your information. I have had a few slightly scary encounters with cattle on my numerous country walks, but with one incident there was an explanation you need to know about. Continue reading “Warning: avoid carrying plastic bags!”

Sophie’s Story: chased by a bellowing cow

I dropped the dogs’ leads – and ran for my life.

On the 26/11/2019, I was walking with my friend along a public bridleway through a field, near Lartington, County Durham. (Grid Ref NZ015168).

We’d already been through several fields of sheep and cattle, with my two dogs, both on a short lead. Continue reading “Sophie’s Story: chased by a bellowing cow”

Three near misses

More stories from walkers who have met aggressive cattle.

Recently, we have posted a series of reports that describe nasty injuries caused by cattle attacks.  Of course, for every person injured, there are many more who have been badly frightened, who have been forced to turn back from a walk, or have had to make a hasty exit from a field of cattle.

Here are three such stories of ruined walks. Continue reading “Three near misses”

Mike’s Story – charged by a cow

It charged, and we ran for our lives.

On the 10th September, I was walking along a public footpath in a field between Bidborough Woods and Southborough Woods in Kent. I was on my own with my dog and saw no warning signs about cattle. There was long grass on either side of the path, and my dog was about 20 feet behind me. Continue reading “Mike’s Story – charged by a cow”