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”

Frances says: take a big stick with you, and remember to check for cow pats

I pick a stick from a hedgerow, and leave it at the other side of the field

Having grown up in a rural area I was always taught to have a very healthy respect for cattle. We were told never to enter a field of cattle (or horses for that matter) without carrying a decent size stick. Continue reading “Frances says: take a big stick with you, and remember to check for cow pats”

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.”

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!”

The law, cattle injuries, and no-fault compensation.

Injured by cattle? You don’t have to blame the farmer to win compensation.

Richard Brooks is a solicitor with considerable experience in animal-related claims. In this article, he discusses how the law applies to victims who have been injured by cattle ,and explains how you don’t necessarily have to prove the cattle owner was at fault. Continue reading “The law, cattle injuries, and no-fault compensation.”

Suggestions to improve footpath safety

There is often a bad’un in a herd and she is a catalyst for the others.

Cindy recently told us her story following a cattle attack:  Surrounded and trampled by cows. She offers some further thoughts and suggestions below. 


A friend sent me the link to your site and I submitted my story as a way of ‘letting off steam’ as I felt aggrieved, and I am very happy that my story is used on your site.

I have been appalled to discover the number of attacks that have occurred over the years. I was utterly amazed at the number of cow attacks (as opposed to bulls who actually carry the stigma) once I started googling the subject, and quite a few people I have spoken to have been able to relate experiences of ‘close shaves’. Continue reading “Suggestions to improve footpath safety”

A Successful Claim: compensation after a serious cattle attack.

Three years ago, Mrs CW was quietly crossing a field with her dog on a lead. A cow first knocked her down from behind, and then subjected her to a terrifying trampling attack.

Mrs CW sustained serious injuries – with multiple fractures – and spent time in intensive care, before starting to learn to walk again. Continue reading “A Successful Claim: compensation after a serious cattle attack.”

Advice for Farmers

Being killed by an animal is the second highest cause of death in farming.

This site is dedicated to walkers who have been injured by cattle, and we’ve received numerous reports of cattle attacks involving people rambling in the countryside. But, it is worth remembering that the group MOST at risk is not walkers, but farmworkers. Continue reading “Advice for Farmers”

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”

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.