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Electric wire fencing

Many visitors to our Killer Cows site have suggested the use of electric fencing to keep cattle separated from walkers on a public footpath.

One of our commentators, Martin, has taken the time to create a simple diagram to explain how the fencing could be moved during the day to allow cattle access to the whole field, while still protecting the footpath.
Continue reading “Electric wire fencing”

It’s not just humans…

Limousin cows are the breed we most often feature in our Horror Stories section.

Why? Because they are now the commonest type of beef cattle farmed in the UK, and because Limousin cows do seem to be more aggressive than traditional British breeds.

It’s not just humans who are at risk. Just look at what happened in Ireland, when a swan made the mistake of landing in a field of Limousins.

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The entire herd charged the poor bird, intent on trampling it. Luckily the swan was eventually rescued, and is recovering on a nearby lake.

Read the whole story in the Irish Mirror.

Photo of swan being chased by the herd of cattle: photo credit Dan Linehan.

 

Another cow attack, in County Durham

Another cow trampling attack on a public footpath.

On the 5th October 2017, just a few weeks ago, Lianne Hutchinson was out walking her dog on a public footpath near Darlington. Suddenly, a cow barged through the fence and attacked her.

Continue reading “Another cow attack, in County Durham”

Injured by cattle. Thinking of suing?

David describes his lengthy battle to achieve compensation for his injuries after being attacked by cattle. Despite the many setbacks, he recommends taking legal action if you are the victim of a cattle attack, and he explains why.

Read David’s article here:  Thinking of suing? Pitfalls and delays

Libby found a sympathetic lawyer, who made sure she understood the process of litigation, and who helped her and her husband win recompense for their injuries and suffering. Libby explains step-by-step what you need to do in a similar situation.

Read Libby’s article here: Help I’ve been injured by cattle. What do I do?

In the end, whether a victim decides to sue or not will depend on individual circumstances. We hope reading about other people’s experiences will help you work out the best course of action for you.

Libby explains how to stay safe on a walk

Libby is a farmer’s daughter and was brought up amongst livestock. She wasn’t scared of cows… not until she was trampled and nearly lost her life.

“I was one of those walkers who felt that people who worried about cows were just townies who didn’t understand them,” she explains. “I know differently now.”

Following her experience, Libby is much more cautious.

“Now, I have a set of personal rules when I embark on a walk, to try to keep me, and anyone I walk with, safe.”

Libby’s quick checklist

Before entering a field of cattle, Libby makes the following checks:

  1. Can I see calves – don’t enter!
  2. Cattle around stile – don’t enter!
  3. Cattle look interested and stop chewing to focus on us and move nearer  – retreat!
  4. I can’t see the way out or don’t know where the way out is – don’t enter!
  5. The herd are spread around the field and I cannot circle around them – don’t enter!
  6. There isn’t an escape route – fence/wall/river that I can easily jump over/into should need arise – don’t enter!

For an extended version of Libby’s rules, and to read more of her advice, go here: Libby’s tips for staying safe around cattle.

 

 

Mary’s story: scared at Stonehenge.

We picked up the dogs and ran.

In April 2014, we visited the stones at Stonehenge, and decided to walk back using the footpath rather than the road. There were two of us and we had our two small dogs, who were both on a lead.

There were a herd of heifers over by the fence in the far corner of the field. As we walked towards the gate, the herd started to move rapidly towards us, pushing us close to the fence.

We headed towards a gate – but it was locked. We picked up the dogs and ran to get to another gate, and managed to escape without being harmed.

I reported it to English Heritage (who manage Stonehenge} when they asked for feedback on our visit. This was at a well-used tourist site. The path should be separated from the cows… we were badly scared.

 

Should I sue after a cattle attack?

Should you sue? If you were injured by cattle, the answer is YES. But the process is not always straightforward.

David was seriously injured after he was attacked by cows while crossing a field on a public footpath. But the farmer wasn’t insured, and that meant David had difficulty finding a firm of solicitors willing to take his case. After he did manage to start legal proceedings, there were delays, and then came a pitiful offer…

Read more about David’s experiences here: Thinking of suing? Pitfalls and delays.