Response ID 292,302,524, report number 799
Date: 12/10/23
Where: Near Ashley Walk Car Park, New Forest, nearest village Godshill
While walking with my 2 Cocker Spaniels this morning near Snake road we were subjected to a sustained & totally unprovoked attack by a lone dark grey cow. We were about 25 yards from the animal & heading away from it when it suddenly charged at the dogs. It took them by surprise & almost caught one of them but the dog managed to roll away from under its hooves.
Then the cow turned its attention to me & charged. It was a truly terrifying moment as it thundered towards me, only pulling up when about a foot away. I slowly backed away as it followed wild-eyed & snorting . I moved more quickly backwards without running & eventually it lost interest & we made our escape.
My dogs were unharmed, I was badly scared.
The warning signs in the New Forest are all about not letting your dog worry livestock. Nothing about the danger to humans or dogs
This has been reported to New Forest National Park Authority
There has been a huge increase in the number of cattle in the New Forest in recent years. It has become very difficult to avoid contact with them. It would be great to have some cattle-free areas where people can walk without fear of attack.
