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
Continue reading “2024 Data Report: headlines”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.
Continue reading “Cattle Attacks: Headlines from our Data Report”Nearly 50% of farmers report having been attacked by cows during calving.
In this article, Libby considers the risk to farmers from their cattle, and summarises the existing guidance.
In fact, it seems that they are more at risk than walkers.
From 2000 – 2015 there were 74 fatalities involving cattle recorded by HSE.
We focus on walkers, but this death reminds us that farmers are at a much greater risk
Sad news from Northern Ireland. Thelma Gorman, a respected cattle breeder, was found on her farm yesterday afternoon after an “incident” with a cow.
Sadly, despite the efforts of the air ambulance, she died at the scene. Continue reading “Farmer killed by her cow”
The commonly cited stats on cow attacks put the risk of being killed at nearly 3 billion to one. Not a very large risk, and so easily dismissed as insignificant.
But these statistics are fundamentally flawed. Find out why the risk is likely to be much larger, at around 35 thousand to one.
Read our opinion piece: AN ALTERNATIVE VIEW ON CATTLE ATTACK STATISTICS
Three useful links to help you identify cattle after an attack.
When reporting a cattle incident, you may be asked to identify which breed was involved. If you don’t know your Aberdeen Angus from your Whitebred Shorthorn, here are some useful sites to help you decide.
A selection of the ten most common native breeds in the UK, from the excellent Countryfile team.
10 Native British Cattle Breeds: and how to recognise them.
18 common and rare breeds found in the UK, supplied by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) with links to further information on each one.
If you can’t find what you need above, Wikipedia lists 800 breeds of cattle, from around the world, including photographs of most of them.
List of cattle breeds on Wikipedia
Don’t forget, you don’t need to be able to identify the breed before you report an incident to us, but it helps if you can. Report an Incident here.
Featured photo credit: lydia harper
Cattle Safety 