Category: guidance for walkers

Can We Enjoy a Walk in the Countryside?

You may have heard Adrian Chiles’s radio programme discussing the safety of walking through fields of cattle, if not then head this way – Adrian Chiles – 04/04/2024 – BBC Sounds . Neither the animal behaviourist nor the representative from the NFU on the programme arrived at any conclusions about how we should behave to avoid being attacked by cows. So we ask the question – can we enjoy a walk in the countryside?

This all began because we love walking in our beautiful countryside – and it’s good for us.

The benefits of walking

Natural England has updated the Countryside Code, recognising the significant health and wellbeing benefits of spending time in nature. These benefits are important. England and Wales are blessed with a wonderful network of footpaths, allowing everyone access to our countryside so they can enjoy the benefits to both mind and body that walking in natural surroundings can bring.

But: Killer Cows have received over 800 reports of incidents in the countryside, these are from walkers who have either felt scared or been chased by cattle or, even worse, sustained injuries from cattle – some very severe. Many have been so affected they no longer feel safe enough to walk in the country and so have lost any benefit access to the countryside gave them.

So what do people suggest to do to keep safe?

Continue reading “Can We Enjoy a Walk in the Countryside?”

David Gosling: lessons learned

Be vigilant. Give cattle a wide birth. Provide notices…

On the 20th of August, 2021, I was knocked down and badly injured by cattle, as was my friend Tony. I describe my experience here: David Gosling’s story: knocked down and tramped on

https://killercows.co.uk/2021/11/16/david-goslings-story-knocked-down-and-tramped-on/
Continue reading “David Gosling: lessons learned”

Theresa’s Advice

I know I was lucky to have survived. My advice to others is here…

In June, 2016, I was attacked and injured by cattle. My story was told here: Theresa’s Story: stamped on by a cow .

In April of the same year, a lady was killed in Belford, Northumberland, so I know I was the lucky one. I told my story to the local Tourist Information Centre, the local paper, and the local radio… all in a bid to save lives. Continue reading “Theresa’s Advice”

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.

 

 

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.

5 ways for walkers to report a problem with cattle

Walkers, don’t shrug off nasty incidents with cattle. Report them.

If you’ve ever been hiking in the British countryside, you’ve probably had a brush with cattle at some time in your life. You might have had to abandon a walk because there was a bull in the field. You might have had to run to escape a group of cows. You might even have been injured.

When the danger is over, it’s tempting to shrug off the event. “These things happen.” We strongly urge you not to dismiss these incidents, even the minor ones. By telling your stories, and raising awareness of the problem, we can bring about change.

Here are 5 ways you can make a report. Continue reading “5 ways for walkers to report a problem with cattle”