Family forced to swim to escape from dangerous cattle

Report number:1233

Date: 3/5/26

Location: Aller, near Langport, Somerset

Family group & dog

Libby’s report: “We were chased and pinned against the rivers edge by a whole group of cows who were kicking and jumping. They edged closer and closer until we were left with no option but to jump into the river and swim to the other side. My mum was a little further up trying to use a fence post to stop another group from pushing her into to river. After we jumped in they then charged over to her. I then had to jump back into the water to try and help her. Luckily the splash startled them enough to cause a distraction so my mum managed to get away. The whole incident was extremely frightening and traumatic for us all. Thank god we were able to swim is all I can say.”

Libby adds “At least have a sign up or to move the cows off of the public foot path.”