Below is a summary of the findings, but the complete report can be downloaded as a PDF file: oct-2024-cows-data-report-1.pdf
CATTLE INCIDENTS: England and Wales
We have been collecting data on cattle incidents experienced by walkers since July 2017, using a self-reporting online form. After a slow start, we now receive 20-30 reports per month during the busy summer walking season. Our data collection relies on self-reporting by people who find our site (https://cattlesafety.co.uk/), and only represents the tip of the iceberg. Deaths and very serious injuries are often NOT reported to us as the victims / families involved go straight to the police and/or Health and Safety Executive.
Number of reports
We have received over 1000 completed reports over 7 years, although 11 incidents took place before 2017. 991 incidents took place in England or Wales, with others occurring elsewhere, such as Scotland, Ireland, or further afield. Our analysis looks at the 991 incidents occurring in England and Wales only. Of these, 955 (96%) of walkers were on a public footpath, 23 were unsure, and 13 were not on a public footpath or had left the footpath by the time the attack occurred.
Type of herd involved
In most cases, the respondents mentioned that a group of cows were present, with only 29% noticing calves present in the field. Some respondents mentioned bullocks, bulls with cows, or a single bull, but bulls were in the minority of resports. Most people were unsure of the breed. Those that did respond mentioned numerous breeds, including Limousin, Charolais, Belgian Blue, British Holstein, Jersey, Friesian, Belted Galloway, Aberdeen Angus, Ayrshire, Red Polls, Herefords, Devon Red, Black Dexter, Welsh Black, Norfolk Red, Lincoln
Dogs
Contrary to popular belief, less than half the reports involved a dog, and most dogs (90%) were on a lead at the time of the incident. In 5% of cases the dog was injured, and in a few (4 cases) the dog was killed.
Number of walkers in the group
In 84% of the cases, walkers were either alone or walking as a couple. Only 16% of incidents occurred in groups of 3 or larger.
Immediate result of the incident
Although nearly 2/3 of the incidents did not result in any physical injuries, the psychological effects of a frightening encounter (58%) should not be minimised. Nearly ¼ of respondents reported minor injuries (cuts and bruises, etc.) many of which were sustained while trying to escape from the cattle. 76 people (8%) suffered significant injuries (broken bones or concussion requiring hospital observation) and 22 people (2%) suffered ruptured internal organs or were in a coma. Five people died.
Medical help needed?
While the majority of respondents did not need medical treatment, a significant minority (20%) did use medical resources after the incident, with 24 (3%) requiring an air ambulance / helicopter extraction from the site.
Warning signs seen?
Farmers are advised by the Health and Safety Executive that it is “good practice to display signs” if they put cattle in a field crossed by a public footpath. Sadly, most of our respondents (84%) did not see any such signs.
Was incident reported to anyone else?
Over half (57%) of the incidents were not reported to anybody else, making us the only organisation to hold the data about these particular attacks. Some reported to multiple organisations.
Being investigated?
784 respondents said their incident was not being investigated. 47 (5%) of total said their attacks was being investigated by the Health and Safety Executive. A handful of other cases said the incident was being investigated by the local authority (26), the police (21), by someone else (18) or by the coroner (5 cases)
Happy for story to be shared on our website?
Although most people were happy for their experiences to be described on our site (anonymously if requested), a third preferred not to have details shared with the public. We are working to ensure that we share the stories of all those respondents who agree.
Suggestions:
At the end of the reporting tool, we ask if there is “anything else you would like to tell us?” 700 respondents (70%) went on to make further comments. Some took the opportunity to vent their frustration or anger, but many offered constructive suggestions as to how the public could be better protected. Suggestions mentioned: signs or fencing, electric fencing, change in the law, risk assessments, alternative footpaths, escape routes, no calves near footpaths, education of public, contact information to be displayed about owner, etc.
More seriously injured cases
We took a deeper look at the more seriously injured walkers. This group (103 in total) included those who had suffered broken bones, rupture of internal organs, or hospital admission for concussion or coma. They were more likely to be walking with a dog (69%), more likely to be alone (53%) and more likely to be in a field with visible calves (34%).
And finally…
We would like to thank our team of unpaid volunteers who answer emails, talk to victims, and transcribe their stories for publication on our site. And, also, a big THANK YOU to all the victims and their families who took the time to fill in our reporting tool. We know how hard it can be to relive these events, some of which are truly terrifying. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us and helping us build this database.
COWS report compiled: 1st October 2024, by Dr Ruth Livingstone
Cattle Safety 