dog – Cattle Safety

Miley and his wife have to wade across a stream to escape cattle.

Incident number 1305
Date: 30.08.26
Site: Public footpath alongside of Egglestone Abbey near Barnard Castle. County Durham.
Bull with cows and calves (Comment: very large brown cattle with small horns.)
2 walkers with dog on a lead.

Miley’s Report: “We were walking from woods towards grasslands alongside Egglestone Abbey. This was the only route back to the gate onto the road where we started. We had already passed in one direction with no sign of cattle. On route back across the grassland there was a large group of brown cattle grazing near the stream; they were blocking access to the footbridge our path went over. Myself, wife and our dog on a lead walked around the outside of the cattle. The cattle moved to surround us on either side, making loud noises and moving towards us. I picked our dog up and started walking quickly to make an escape, the cattle followed and, as our access to the footbridge was still blocked by cows and calves, we had to cross the stream to escape. My wife was petrified. This was a very scary experience. On exiting the gate onto Abbey Lane we noticed a very small sign on the gate saying ‘Livestock present’. I would urge larger signs be installed to warn walkers whilst young calves, cows and bulls are present. We would not have entered this public footpath if we knew they were there. A very dangerous ordeal that could have ended in serious injury, I consider ourselves very lucky.”

Cattle Safety comment:

So glad you’re OK! Yes we also believe you are fortunate to not have been injured in that situation. We hope you inform HSE about this Report an Incident – Cattle Safety contact us on cows.safety.group@gmail.com. We noticed a report of cows blocking the way on the OS map, unsure if that was you or another poor walker.

Cows chase walkers AGAIN on Sussex Ouse Valley way

Incident number 1303
Date: 31.5.26
Site: Between Lewes and Hamsey on the river footpath BN7
I dog, on a lead, 2 walkers

Description: “Chased by cows on footpath, not for the first time here but very scary. Our dog froze in panic making getting away from cows near impossible.
We reported it to the council who have replied saying they’ll be there for months, really uninterested in them chasing us – don’t know who else to tell but it’s very scary and it’s our daily walk so feel very cross!”
Comment: “I would LOVE the cows to be behind a fence and not on the footpath!! How do we do that?”

Cattle Safety comment: This report highlights the problems with reporting issues on walking paths to councils. The person receiving the report is not trained to recognise a Health and Safety “near miss” and so ignores this report. Unfortunately these cows will continue to pester and chase people if nothing is done and then a serious accident could occur. Yes – walkers are instructed to report incidents to the footpath officer on a council – but, in our experience, doing that rarely achieves anything. Informing the Health and Safety Executive may achieve something as these people are trained in H&S.

Experienced walker attacked on Dartmoor asks – are cows more belligerent?

Report number: 1297

Date: 16/08/26

Location: Next to Vitifer Mine Carpark (on the B3212) just down the road from the Warren House Inn, Dartmoor, Devon. Close to ///pairings.always.survey. Warren House Inn, Postbridge, Yelverton, Devon PL20 6TA

Terri’s report: “It was around 9.30am. I was walking up the hill from Warren House Inn to recce the start of a Ramblers’ Walk I was due to lead from 10.00am – I wanted to know if there was a better path to join the main track. There was a group of about 10 Highland Cattle with calves sheltering under the tree by a spring/stream close to the Warren House Inn. A few cows were standing in the road (B3212) and holding up traffic – to an extent where one car pushed a cow with its bonnet to try and persuade the cow to move. This group of cars had gone by the time I descended towards the carpark – but another group of cars (about 3, plus a motorbike) were held up by the same group of cows. I decided, as I was crossing the road, to help, by shooing the cows out of the road. I had my collie cross dog with me on a lead at the time. (In hindsight, this would seem a rash thing to do, but I have never not had a cow move when I’ve shooed it before!). I came around behind the static van stationary in the road and shooed the cow that was in the middle of the road, my dog was behind me (hiding). The cow came toward me instead of moving away, advancing her wide horns and swinging her head up and down – As I put my hands out to avoid being gored (not that it would have done much good!) – my right hand was nicked by a horn (and started bleeding) and my left hand was bruised – and swelled up a short while later (going to be an awesome bruise) and I was pushed backwards to the extent I fell over onto the road – but (fortunately) the cow then turned towards the edge of the road and didn’t trample me as I fell. A calf cantered off to follow it – and as I got to my feet I thought “Aha – mother protecting calf!”. The people in the van, plus a couple of people in another van in the carpark, plus another Moorland Guide also witnessed the incident. One of the women gave me an antiseptic wipe for the cut on my left hand, and everyone was asking me how I was. I was mainly feeling a bit shocked and a little stupid too, for approaching a Mama cow with my dog in tow. I think I’ve bruised my shoulder from where I fell over in the road, but very glad I didn’t come off worse. My dog was fine, she hid behind me and didn’t bark and gave the cows wide berth!”

“One of the Ramblers accompanying me on the walk is a member of Dartmoor Preservation Society and he said he intended to report the incident to the National Park.”

Terri wanted this incident to go on our website to “remind others that shooing Mama cows who have calves is NOT a good idea (especially with a dog in tow). They are so much bigger than us. I didn’t realise initially that there was a calf with this cow as it was not in the road but under the tree with the rest of the herd.”

Terri added: “We (the Ramblers) were wondering if cows were getting more belligerent because farmers are not so hands on – and use more machinery (eg quad bikes) to handle them. These cows were maybe in not such a good mood as I saw a couple of cows lock horns with each other, under the tree AFTER I had been attacked by one of them.”

Cattle safety comments – “we’re glad Terri is ok apart from cuts, bruises and aches”

“What do people think? In your experience are cattle more belligerent? Do let us know.”

“even the most experienced walker can be caught out, calves can be hiding in the long grasses and well nigh impossible to see, so advice to avoid getting between a mother cow and her calf can be difficult to follow.”

Letting go of his dog probably saved Michael’s life

Report 1259, Response ID 329,768,059, Single walker and dog, group of cows with calves and a bull

6/6/26 Location: Between Blore & Thorpe, Ashbourne on the Staffordshire/Derbyshire border. On a bridle path between Coldwall Bridge and Coldwell Farm. The Limestone Way runs through the field as well as another public right of way. What three words are ‘chop.doubts.rotation’

Michael’s report: “Dog on the lead, tucked in behind me. I saw the cows with calves, and gave them a really wide berth but I saw a couple of cows running towards me from a distance away. I was knocked to the ground and then the other cows started gathering around. I sustained a serious leg injury which requires surgery. I let go of the dog and he bolted towards the gate and the cows chased him which probably saved my life.”

Michael added “Better signage would be a start. Also I’ve been informed by other farmers that it’s not appropriate to keep cows with calves near a very busy public footpath, there are 3 public footpaths running through the field in question. The following day a sponsored walk was taking place with 300 walkers set to walk through the field. I believe the farmer was made aware of the walk but chose not to move his cattle.”

Killer Cows comments: Michael has informed Police, HSE, Local Council Rights of Way Office, the Farmer, The Peak District National Park. We hope he makes a good recovery.

Aggressive or curious cattle? Either pose a risk to walkers.

3 recent reports follow, 2 with dogs, 1 without. All the walkers felt worried enough by the cattle’s behaviour and exited the field across potentially dangerous routes. People may argue some of the cows were “just” curious or playful rather than aggressive. If a 1/2 ton of animal is “curious” and comes charging towards you or pins you to a gate, that is dangerous. Cattle pose a risk to walkers. So what is the solution?

Signs indicating dangerous cattle in the field will not happen as the law states no dangerous animals should be kept on land with public access. Banning dogs across fields of cattle clearly will not solve the problem, half of our reports are from people with no dog. Educating people to “respect the cows” will not help, you can respect a charging cow as much as you like, but it won’t make you safe. Giving cattle a wide berth, not getting between a calf and mother, having a calm dog on a short lead – all good ideas but we have reports from those who follow all the above and yet were attacked. The solution is fencing off cattle from walkers. Read the following reports and decide what you would do in that situation.

Family attacked

Report number: 1240 Date 9/5/26 Location: Newlyns Farm field, Lodge Farm Odiham, Hampshire

Bec’s Report: “2 children (8y and 14y) along with their Aunt and dog entered field through kissing gate coming from the canal tow path into field. Aunt holds onto dog collar as the dog owner (my father 73) and myself are a few metres behind them. The first group (children, Aunt, dog) walk along footpath into field, myself and father enter field some seconds later approx 10-15 metres behind. By the time the first group reaches a bridge crossing the stream at the middle of the field one cow begins to bellow and the children become scared. Aunt and dog stop to wait for my father who has the dog lead as aunt is currently walking hunched over holding the dogs collar. I walk faster to catch up with my children, we walk together towards gate at opposite side of field quickly but not running. As we are walking away from my father, Aunt and dog we continue to hear bellowing of the cow and I see it is moving towards them. There are many cows and calves in the field, at least 20 I think, maybe more. Many cows are slowly advancing towards us but one particular big brown cow (the one who is bellowing) circles around and charges at my father who is now holding onto the dog collar and trying to put lead on.”

Dog walker knocked over and dog injured by cows

Report: 1239
Date: 12/5/26

Location:Birdswood Farm,145 Sleetmoor Lane, Somercotes, Derbyshire, DE55 1RE – public footpath that runs through the farm land leading to Leamoor Avenue

Report: “As I was walking along the public footpath with my two dogs on leads, the cows came towards us, pushed me over and then chased one of my dogs. I dropped the dogs leads as I fell, one of my dogs ran off out of the field and the other dog got chased and caught under the feet of the herd of cows. When I got up, I tried to get my dog to come back but the cows were still chasing him. My dog was clearly injured and managed to limp to me, we left the field immediately. My dog sustained significant injuries and is currently being treated at the vets. I have tried to contact the farmer but he has not answered my calls.”

Cattle known to be aggressive kept in field with a public footpath

Report: 1238
Date: 10/5/26
Location: Jurassic way. Watford. W3W hails.restrict.springing

Report: “We were walking to the right of the footpath, keeping to the fence to avoid the cattle. We had 2 dogs on short leads under close control. One cow made for us. Bellowed in way I’ve never heard a cow bellow before. Before I knew it the whole herd were running toward us bellowing and charging at one of our dogs. The owner of the dog dropped the lead and let the dog run away. We turned back the way we had come and made for the stile as fast as possible with the other dog still on a lead. The loose dog went through the fence and ran along it returning to us while we were still being chased by cows. The cows were still bellowing and stomping. The cattle eventually ceased chasing us at speed, just followed us at some pace until we made it back over the stile. We returned to the road and asked a local lady a way around. Telling her what happened she said the cows were known to attack walkers regardless of whether dogs were present or not. We followed the diversion she gave us during which another local passer-by made comment about her husband also being attacked by the cows. As we turned into the lower field we met a young lady that turned out to be the land owners daughter who gave us permission to cross in a different area and also confirmed the cows are known to be aggressive.”
Further comment “These cows need moving to a field without a public footpath. Or a fence cordoning cattle from the footpath.”

Charged at by cattle

Report 1224

Response ID 328,834,077

Location: Doynton High Street – field off footpath up the steps on the right when leaving the village along the High Street

Date 07/03/26

Katie’s report: “I entered the field with my dog on a short lead, I did not see any cows. As I walked into the field and turned I realised a group of black cattle, possibly bullocks, were there. My dog was very close to me. The cows started chasing and charging towards me. I had to pick up my dog and scream at them to get them to stop. They chased me to a stream which I fell into trying to escape.”

Katie comments: “There should be signs!!!!! Or even better, no cattle on fields with footpaths.”

Walker headbutted by cows

Report: 1176

Date: 3/8/25

Location: ///rattler.fulfilled.beaters near Long Lawford, Warwickshire

2 people 1 dog

Report: “I was walking with my partner on our normal route to walk our dog and noticed in the distance some cows on one side of the bridge that we needed to cross. There was a lady and a gentleman walking towards us who appeared to have already come from that direction. My dog was heeling next to me off lead as we passed the man and woman, though I put him onto a short lead soon after this so we could get past the cattle. (We practice this often with cattle, sheep and horses, and he is always very focused on me.) We were quite close to the herd, maybe 3 meters, and they were stationary, all on the left hand side of the bridge – about 4 young calves were closest to the bridge/river. As we were about 5 meters from reaching the bridge, one cow started to charge towards me, then moo’d, I let go of my dogs lead who ran away towards the right hand side of the bridge, and the cow headbutted me to the floor. I think another cow must have turned to look at the dog as I was suddenly surrounded by at least two cows, as I was in the floor and pinned between two cows. I stood up as quick as I could, but was still being headbutted while doing so.

I was shouting with my arms up to try and appear larger, backing away slowly and trying to get towards the bridge. Luckily I was close enough to the bridge to get through, the dog was close next to it so I could call him through, and my partner was already safe behind the barrier. They were both unharmed. During the incident I realised I had dropped my phone, so I stayed on the bridge for about 5/10 minutes to see if the herd would move. The two people who we had recently passed were at the other side of the field behind a gate and shouted if we were ok – I shouted back that we were all ok, but I had dropped my phone. I think this shouting then scared the herd who walked away towards a house. I was then safely able to retrieve my phone from the ground and go back home, noticing that I had a painful right hip and painful left shin.

My left shin is very swollen, I am able to walk ok but I needed to ice as soon as I was home. I’m unsure if the shin injury is from being headbutted or not, as I can’t remember if one or two cows were headbutting me. There is a small bruise currently though I feel it will spread due to the amount of swelling. My right hip is also bruised – I think this was from being head butted as this side is where the main cow was attacking me from.

I walk this route often and there are no signs about cows, I haven’t seen them in this part of the field before. There are horses the other side of the field and there are sometimes signs about not feeding the horses, but no signs about cows

I feel like it was completely my fault, and I shouldn’t have even tried to go near the cows with their young. I was more focused on keeping my dog in heel so he wouldn’t sniff or interfere with the cows – I didn’t even think the cows would attack, and now I feel quite stupid! Especially since my partner has been chased by cows before and fears them, the fact that two people had already walked from that direction made me feel like we would be fine. I don’t blame the cattle for protecting their young, though I wish I had been wiser. I am lucky that no one was trampled, as it was very close.”

Cow attack on Bronte Moorland in Yorkshire

Incident number: 1135
Date of incident: 17.02.24
Site: The Bronte way above Leeming Reservoir in Oxenhope, West Yorkshire
2 people, 1 dog.

Report: “I was walking with my friend and we spotted the cows lying down on the moor above us to the right of the path. We moved over, putting a broken wall between ourselves and the cows. We didn’t see any calves. My dog was further away to the left. One cow stood up and charged through a gap in the wall and went for the dog who ran off. It then turned and knocked me to the ground. Hitting me with its head and stamping its feet. Our dog returned to me and the cow went for her again. I staggered down the hill. I turned around to check what was happening and the cow charged at me again. It knocked me down. I curled up in a ball, thinking I was going to die. My friend stood and shouted and eventually the cow went back to the others. I staggered to the nearest road and was taken by ambulance to hospital.”

“I sustained : 7 broken ribs, a large hematoma on my right leg and a punctured lung. I was in Airedale hospital for three days. We found out later that 3 cows had calves on the moor the night before the attack. The health and safety executive were informed and the farmer has admitted liability.”

“I thoroughly agree that cows should not be on public footpaths.“

Pushed against the fence by cattle

Report number: 1127
Date of incident: 2/6/25
Location: Bourneheath. Near Bromsgrove
1 person and a dog

Report: “I entered the field with my dog on a short lead. The cows were some distance away so I was not worried. I always keep to the side of a field when there are cows. When I had been walking for about 2 minutes, they all ran towards me. I let my dog go as I knew this is what you should do. The cows ran at my dog. My dog panicked and ran out of the field. I slowly started to walk to the exit of the field. The cows then ran at me. They formed a semi circle around me. They were all pushing each other out of the way to try to get to me. They pushed me against the fence. I was very scared and was silently crying. I phoned my friend who is a dairy farmer. She told me to stamp my right foot and wave my arm. They moved back so I could gently ease out of the field. Thankfully a member of the public had my dog. My arm was covered in blood from where I had been shoved against the barbed wire. I was so scared. I genuinely thought I was going to die.”

“I honestly feel like I did everything right. I have no idea why they charged at me or wouldn’t leave me alone. After I left the field they were mooing very loudly. It was a terrifying experience.”