charging cows – Page 3 – Cattle Safety

Multiple spoiled walks and frightened walkers – this is not a rare occurrence; cattle need to be separated from walkers.

Report number: 1111

Date of incident: 4/5/25

Location: Etchingham to Bodiam first half of circular trail, East Sussex

2 people no dog

Report: “After passing through a gate, we saw cows on our right quite near, and our path was to the left. Upon proceeding, the cows began to charge, we weren’t injured, just frightened.”

Report number:1112

Date of incident: 19/5/25

Location: Eaton Barn in the parish of Doveridge, Derbyshire

1 person 1 dog

Report: “Very aggressive cows, making lots of noise and running amok, luckily I had let the dog off the lead so the cows followed the dog that can run fast. I wasn’t injured, just frightened. There should be fencing to separate cows from the path.”

Report number: 1115

Date of incident: 26/5/25

Location: St Margaret’s Bay Downs Road East Valley Farm near Dover

2 people, dogs

Report: “I was walking with a friend in the above area as we have done many a times. Heard something in the wooded area to the left of us and carried on walking when from that area came a Bull in full charge mode to get to a field of Heifers!! As quick as we could we got our dogs on the lead….we tried to get out the way sadly I fell over but manage to get up and spotted an area of fencing to stand by….TERRIFIED we stood still I told my friend do not move and DO NOT make eye contact because he was stood 15 feet in front of us an no way was he friendly!! The Heifers in the field were making the situation worse by running up and down with excitement. When the Heifers moved up their field we managed to run into the farm area……our hearts racing as we were PETRIFIED!! Traumatised we reached the farm where we met a lady explained the situation……..no apology NOTHING! This Road leads to houses, local walkers and riding schools with young children!! Farmers should take more responsibility.”

Report number: 1116

Date of incident: 26/5/25

Location: Halvergate, Norfolk. On the Weavers’ Way between Berney Arms Station and Stone Road.

1 person no dog

Report: “I was walking by myself along the Weaver’s Way between Berney Arms Station and Stone Road at about 5pm on 26 May. I went through one of the gates which is marked on the Weaver’s Way and a herd of about 30 cows charged towards me from about 100m away. I went back through the gate, making sure it was closed. The cattle then congregated at the gate. I managed to find an alternative route around the field. However, it was very frightening and I felt in danger. The pathway should be fenced so that the cows can’t charge at people walking along it. Or the cows shouldn’t be allowed to be roaming in the same field as the path.”

Report number: 1117

Date of incident: 26/5/25

Location: It was a walk in Rutland, near Stoke Dry and Lyddington.

1 person, no dog

Report: “I went through the gate into what was a public right of way and immediately to my right up a slope about 50 to 100metres away was a large herd of cows. I hesitated and thought; should I chance it? My gut instinct was not to walk across this field, but turning back meant going a long and not very pleasant way round. I walked several more steps into the field trying to think where to go. I kept checking the cows to see if they’d noticed me, and they had. It was eerie, as one by one the ones at the front lined up side by side and just stared at me. I stared back out of fascination, which is probably what you shouldn’t do. I quickly made the decision to get back to the gate to leave, as the atmosphere was feeling ominous. I was about equi distance to the gate as I was from the cows. I power walked back to the gate. As I was near the gate I saw one of the cows bolting down the slope towards me. I managed to keep,semi calm as I opened the gate. A few seconds later several of the cows had run down and charged into the gate, one was hoofing the gate. Felt very relieved to be on the other side of the gate! I was extremely lucky that I hadn’t got too far away from the gate. I think that this is a real issue, where cattle graze at large in land that is a public right away. It really needs to be challenged robustly. NB: There was no sign about cattle grazing in this field. I would like to see cattle completely separated from the general public at all times. Either cows occupy completely different plots of land, or there is some sort of fencing that separates walkers from them. I don’t think you can trust cows or rely on cattle etiquette.”

Killer cows comment: It seems to make no difference whether walkers have a dog or not, HSE statistics agree as do our figures. Across the country walkers are being scared and put at risk by cattle, all the above may have resulted in injuries or worse, and should be treated seriously. Cattle require fencing off from walkers.

2 near misses – frightened walkers following promoted routes, no dogs; they needed to climb over barbed wire fences to get to safety.

Report number: 1113

Date of incident: 22/5/25

Location: Aberaeron to Henfynway walk from Ceredigion 40 coasts and Country Walks by Julian Rollins Page 17 starts with ‘on the far side of field ..I crossed a footbridge across the Ceri and entered the paddock.. this is the field.’

1 person no dog

Report: “I entered the field quietly and saw them grazing a distance away .I took my sunglasses off and walked around the perimeter of field aiming for the exit gate. Before I knew it they all ran towards me I shouted but no avail. I climbed over barbed wire into nettles and branches. I was frightened as I could see I was on a shallow embarkment and if I lost my balance I would fall down a long slope. Getting panicky I phoned a friend who contacted the police ..by this time my phone had died. I waited for the cattle to loose interest and move, which took ages. I struggled to get back over as I was on a slope, there was a big fallen log that I had to roll under, then I used a big branch to climb over the barbed wire and ran to gate. This completely ruined my holiday, there should be big signs warning of potential dangers.“

Report number: 1114

Date of incident: 25/5/25

Location: We were completing the Charlton Viaduct loop from Shepton Mallet and when the incident occurred we were in one of the fields above Wells Road, on Darshill.

2 people no dog

Report: “The cows were pasturing in front of the gate we were supposed to go through. We approached the cows from far away as they noticed us. We were approximately 50 metres away when they saw us. We kept walking in their direction but they suddenly started running towards us. It was between 10-15 cows. Our reaction was to turn around and walk away (towards they direction we came from). When we turned our heads to look at them, they were closer and kept coming toward us and charging us. At that point we realised that the other access was too far and the only option we had was running down hill off path into a bush full of spikes and nettles which resulted in scratches all over. We then reached the main road but had to jump over barbed wire. The injuries resulted from escaping the cattle as the only escape was off the path in a bramble bush. Plus we had to jump over barbed wire to leave the field.”

Killer Cows comment: Walkers should expect a level of safety when following a promoted path. Cattle should be separated from walkers.

Walker charged at by a large herd of cows

Report number: 1110
Response ID: 314,619,335
Date of incident: 20/05/25
Location: ///rabble.trials.admiral Near Keynsham, Somerset. A public footpath crossing a field from Hanham Abbots to Willsbridge
Single walker, no dog, group of cows

Report: “Whilst using the public right of way that crosses the middle of this field, I spotted a large herd of cows at the far side of the field when I crested the hill. At the same time, some cattle at the far side of the herd spotted me and started running towards me. The rest of the herd joined in and I ended up fleeing to the edge of the field pursued by forty to sixty cows, making it over a gate just in time to avoid being trampled. There were no notices or warning signs at either entrance to the field.”

Additional comment: “The best solution would be that the farmer keeps their cattle in a field not used by the general public. Alternatively, they could reroute the footpath to the field edges and fence it off from the cows. As a bare minimum, warning signs should be fitted to the gates at either end of the field.”

The sign warned not suitable for dogs – but it was not safe for walkers

Report number:1109 England
Response ID: 314,585,333

Date of incident: 19/05/2025
Location: Between St Dogmael’s and Cippyn, North Pembrokeshire. What three words: ///received.indulges.sparrows
2 walkers, no dog, group of bullocks

Report: “We were on a public footpath crossing a field, I noticed a group of young cows in the shade, it was a rather warm sunny day, all the cattle were facing away from us at we set across field to the gate on the public footpath. As we walked across the field we were chatting and I didn’t notice exactly at what point we caught their attention but suddenly they were all facing us and coming towards us at a walk then a gentle accelerating run. We were still a few hundred meters from the exit gate, it was definitely further than we could get to before the cattle reached us, so I stopped and shouted at them and waved a stick which worked for a moment, they paused but then one or two started walking then running again. It was really scary, we sprinted for the gate and got over just in time. I feel like we would have been crushed had we been with slower people, kids, elderly infirm etc or had we not noticed them approaching and distracted them for a moment to give us time, we were very frightened.”

Additional comment: “There was a sign warning cows in field, not suitable for dogs. I would like clearer guidance as to what to do and farmers not keeping dangerous cows in fields with public footpaths. I think some farmers do it intentionally to put off walkers.”

Carol and her child had to escape via barbed wire and nettles

Incident number: 1108
Response ID 314,539,408
Date of incident: 17/05/2025
Location: Beal, Goole, River Aire bank

Incident report: I was walking along the footpath with my 10 year old child and my dog on a lead. Cows were on top of river bank, we were on the lower part of the river bank with the dog quietly on the lead. The cows came running at us.

I let the dog off the lead & he ran off & most of the cows followed, we ran to the barbed wire fence. Our dog came back to us & the cows came running & kicking out at us! My 10 year old climbed through the barbed wire which had already been stretched (possibly by someone else trying to escape from the cattle?) I then had to climb through & stand in a ditch full of nettles & brambles hoping the cows would go away. They didn’t so I had to trample the way through with both of us getting stung severely! We then had to make our way through a corn field back to the path. My 10 year old is very distraught!

Roger and his wife are charged at near Oswestry

Response ID 311,461,278
Incident number 1067
Date: 26.10.24
Site: Oswestry. Followed route 4 of the ‘Offa’s Dyke Path Circular Walks’ issued by ‘Offa’s Dyke Path National Trail’ and ‘Shropshire Council Outdoor Recreation’. The incident happened by Gwalia Wood which is point 8 on the route map at about 15:45.
2 walkers, no dog

Roger’s account: “We emerged from Gwalia Wood and went into the field where cows were grazing and actually moving away from us on the far side of the field. After walking just a short distance on a diagonal away from the cows and toward the sign posted exit point, we noticed that several of the cows had spotted us and had turned and were now running toward us closely followed by the rest of the herd (probably numbering about 50 animals). At the speed the cows were running we would not be able to retrace our steps the way we had come. I told my wife to run to our left and toward a closed metal vehicle gate. We reached the gate just as the first cow got to within 10 feet of us and I turned and started shouting and waving my arms to drive them back. This action stopped them long enough to allow us to climb the gate and exit the field before they came crowding around the gate. We followed a farm track, circling the wood back to where we had originally been and eventually getting back onto the published route at the hamlet of Bwlch.”
“My wife was in a terrible state, physically shaking and suffering from arthritis in her knee which after running and gate climbing meant she was in considerable discomfort walking back. We discussed the incident that night in the bar of an Oswestry hotel where we dined and were told by a local that the cows in question were well known for pursuing walkers.”

Roger adds: “The public footpath across the field where we encountered the cows is on a diagonal and on a right to left slope. The ground was very soft and we were effectively on the receiving end of a cavalry charge. It would help if the ‘tourist maps/leaflets’ make mention of the possibility of encountering livestock and to provide clear alternative routes where appropriate.”

Roger supplied the photograph of the herd at the gate following the incident.

Mum and Daughter narrowly escaped charging cattle.

Incident number 1061
Response ID 311,395,044
Date: 1.11.24
Site: ///remit.page.code

It happened on a public foot path off the allotments in Upton St Leonards Village in Gloucestershire

Account: We entered the public footpath via the gate from the allotments. My 7 year old daughter and I and our dog on the lead started walking along the path. Within seconds of being in the field however the group of cows at the far end of the field (complete opposite side to where the public footpath is) started charging at us. Knowing the dangers of cows I quickly grabbed hold of my daughter and threw her back over the gate. In a state of panic I struggled to open the gate, only just opening it as the cows were right on top of me. I got through and closed the gate with the dog before they could cause any harm. It left my daughter in floods of tears from fright, she is now terrified of cows (and she is an animal lover) she had nightmares that night from it. We have not used that public footpath again from fear.

Mum comments: Warnings should be put on gates if there are cattle in fields that have public footpaths through them.

Duke of Edinburgh walkers charged at by cattle

Response ID 310,407,936
Incident number 1051

Date: September 2024
Site: The walk began at Cannock chase, but unsure exactly where the incident occurred.
Group of cows, a group of young walkers, no dog

Description: I was doing D of E, we followed the “public footpath” sign and it took us to the field full of cows approximately 10 -15, I’m not sure. Unknowing what was about to happen me and my group strolled through the field, when suddenly the cattle chased us, they kept running at us and my friend managed to stop them. I was in tears as I was so scared. They chased us for a second time when we were trying to exit the field (we could not find the gate). Due to my state of confusion and how scared I was, I stayed at the back trying to find the exit and then they ran at us again. I had to throw my rucksack and me over a fence and it was so uncomfortable to do so. This was very frightening.
This incident was reported to the group leader.

Comment: I am now severely frightened of cows

A nimble (and lucky) M.P. wants contact details of cattle owners on access points into fields.

Response ID 310,378,370
Incident number 1047

Date: 30.04.24
Site: Public riverside walk from Huntington to New Earswick (Near York), North Yorkshire
Group of cows, lone walker, no dog.

MP`s Report: “Whilst walking along a public right of way I was approached and then chased by group of cows. I am 79 years of age and I still don`t know how I did it, but I had to vault over a fence (with barbed wire running along the top) to safety!! I was very fortunate not to have been hit by any of the cows. I suffered injuries to my hands whilst getting over the fence, caused by the barbed wire.”

MP adds: “Cows should not be able to be in the area where there is a public right of way. They need to be fenced off. Also there should be contact details of owner of land/farmer displayed at the field edge – I did not know who to contact to inform them of their unsafe animals.”

Killer Cows comment: We have just added the need to identify stock owners as one of our aims; it can help the farmers as people can inform them when their animals look unwell or running free and let them know when a cow is acting dangerously, so they can take steps to protect the public.

All near misses like this should be reported to the land owner, HSE, local council and your MP, yes it’s a faff, but without notification these people won’t know there’s a problem, and someone else may get injured – easy links on this page https://killercows.co.uk/page/

Biscuit is chased by cattle – despite farmer’s assurances

Response ID 310,378,687
Incident number 1048

Date: 06.09.23
Site: Plug.verges.ballooned Near Draycott, Somerset
Herd of dairy cows. Lone walker with dog, Biscuit, on a lead.

Biscuit’s owner has written this report “I was walking south on the footpath, as I proceeded a couple of big cows came galloping towards me. I yelled at them but they still charged, reared up and kicked. My 10 week old puppy panicked, slipped her collar and ran. The cows chased the puppy and I managed to get back over the stile and rescue her. Two farmers from the dairy witnessed the whole thing but did nothing.”

“The Monarchs Way runs through this area and has been a highly used national footpath and right of way until the Tizzard dairy was built and 600+ cattle have been left on the footpaths with no fencing for the public”

Biscuit’s owner was told by the farmer a couple of years ago “that his cows were safe to walk through when on a footpath.”

Helen and her sister surrounded and chased by aggressive cows in the Peak District.

Response ID 310,136,770
Incident number 1044

Date: 16.11.24
Site: On the path across the fields between Long Dale and Weaddow Lane near Elton, Derbyshire. Peak District National Park – Derbyshire Dales District Council. ///potential.comic.clusters SK 19246 60923
Type of cow: Group of Cows and bullocks. 2 walkers, dogs on lead.

Helen’s report: “The cows were in a large group near the footpath gate into the field. There was a feeder near by and some were eating from it. We entered the field with our three dogs on leads and kept to the footpath by the wall to go round the cows. They started coming towards us and we spread our arms wide and shouted for them to go away. They then charged towards my sister and her two dogs and pinned her against the wall. My dog had an orange coat on and they didn’t seem interested in her but, lead by two aggressive cows the others started jumping up on their back legs and surrounded my sister and her dogs. One cow head-butted her twice and was stamping its front legs trying to get to her dogs who were hiding behind her legs.
She started screaming and I ran back and shouted at the cows who did run back a bit. We quickly let all the dogs off the leads and I picked up my dog and she picked up her old dog. The cows then all started charging towards us and her young dog ran off down the path. The herd of at least 30 cows (who we think were bullocks but can’t be sure as we were in shock at the time) all charged off after her dog at full pelt. We followed down the hill as fast as we could to try and get to her dog, who is less than a year old. After about half a mile the cows all ran up across the field and my sister checked her dog tracker and saw the dog was ahead of us and had run up to the top of the field. She whistled her dog and it ran back to her. I had gone through a gate down the footpath track and she passed me her dog over the fence and walked back up to the gate to come down the path. We weren’t injured but at one point I did think the cows were going to kill my sister. She was so upset thinking they were going to kill her dog, and then worried that the dog had run off and would be lost and traumatised.
The dog that the cows were trying to get to was quite traumatised and was shaking like a leaf when we retrieved her.
I haven’t yet reported this incident but I am going to look at reporting it to the ramblers association and The Local Authority as we are very concerned that it could have caused very serious injury and could happen again to someone else.”

RA:”I am not against free grazing but following my experience it should have some form of physical barrier.”

Response ID 310,135,319
Report number: 1042

Date of incident: 15.11.24
Site: Burbage Bridge footpath in the Peak District just outside Sheffield

RA’s Report: “A group of four were walking on a damp foggy day, we set off through the gated footpath and immediately saw a cow in the valley below, I immediately put my dog on the lead, the cow stayed where it was. Our group became separated, 2 in front by about 100 meters, I could see the front 2 people were closing in on a group of cows, I now know they walked through the middle of the group of cattle. Our friends were waiting for us just beyond the cattle, we approached slowly with our dog on a short lead and I immediately felt threatened.”