no dog – Page 3 – Cattle Safety

Rammed to the ground by a cow on Castle Howards estate

Response ID 309,244,045

Report number: 1038

Date of incident : 1/11/2024

Location: Wilburn, Yorkshire on a walk by the castle Howard estate ///harmlessly.fitter.cowboys

2 walkers and baby, no dog. Cows and calves in field.

Account: “My husband and I were walking with our baby in a sling on me. The trail went through a herd of cows so we tried to go around them and as we walked by, a cow starting getting agitated. It then charged us and rammed my husband to the ground. As he backed away on the floor, it backed up and charged him again. We backed up slowly. Another cow came charging towards us looking upset and we walked slowly backwards and it stopped. No injuries (other than a wet bum but no bruising) but still quite scary!”

Father’s quality of life severely impacted after a cattle attack nr Chipping Norton

Response ID 308,967,877

Report number: 1036

Date of attack: 15/08/24

Location: Chipping Norton – on a popular public footpath through a field to the left of the London Road as you come into town.

Report: “On 15th August, my 83yr old father was found seriously injured and trampled by cows on a public footpath near Chipping Norton. That accident has fundamentally changed his life. He regularly walked that path through the field by himself as part of his usual 4 mile route. There were sometimes cows in the field – which he simply ignored. On the day of the accident, we don’t know exactly what happened as he doesn’t remember it (nor the following 11 days when he was in hospital). At c. 3.30 in the afternoon he was seen by the farmer’s wife, who sent the farmer out to investigate. It was obvious he was badly hurt, and he was taken to A&E by ambulance. Due to his lack of consciousness and subsequent confusion, I was not called until c. 9.30 that night. When I got to A&E I discovered he had been trampled, resulting in major injuries.”

Lisa will never go through a field of cows on her own again.

Response ID 308,966,531

Report number: 1034

Date of incident: 11/05/24

Location: Firle, near Lewes, Sussex

Lisa’s account: “I was walking solo on one of my favourite routes, making my way up to Firle Beacon on the South Downs Way. The path between Glynde and Firle takes you through a small field on the Firle estate, where there is usually a flock of sheep. This time, I could see that there was a herd of cows right at the other end of the field, and I wasn’t sure if they were on the other side of the fence. They were standing still so I figured I’d be ok. As I got halfway across, one cow turned to look at me then started walking towards me. Then it started trotting. I remember saying, “Oh no…” as it got faster, and others started to follow it.

I knew that the rule was not to run, but as they gathered speed, I decided in a split second to make a run for the gate. As they thundered behind me, I screamed as I ran. The field is next to a cricket pitch and behind a pub but no one heard me. I got through the gate in the nick of time and turned round to find a washed-out sign saying BEWARE – and then some unintelligible marker writing. I could just make out SUGGEST ALTERNATIVE ROUTE. As I stood there looking at the herd, the farmer drove into the field from the other side and proceeded to feed them. They obviously thought I was bringing their food. I was so stunned I didn’t go over to complain to him and continued my walk but I will never go through a cow field on my own again.”

Lisa would like “Proper signage from the farmer, if they are unable to cordon the animals off. In this case, there was an alternative route, and I could’ve taken it (if it had been properly signed), but by the time I realised there was a problem, it was too late.”

Another attack by a cow near Belstone

Response ID 308,834,896

Report number 1031

Date of incident: 27/10/24

Location: 2 people walking on the public footpath out of Belstone Cleave back towards Belstone on the top path near Skaigh.

Single cow, Belted Galloway.

Report: “We were walking single file along the narrow path when a single cow suddenly appeared from the undergrowth a couple of feet in front of us. In a split second it had knocked me to the ground and kicked me, my husband then shouted and it turned and head butted him in the chest sending him flying. It all happened in a few seconds, truly terrifying.”

“We suffered bruised ribs, legs and base of spine.”

Valerie suggests warning signs or maybe moving the cows to an enclosed field!

“I think that farmers should be more responsible about placing their stock where there is a public right of way”

Response ID 308,779,200

Report number 1030

Date of incident 30/06/24

Location: On public footpath above Berry Pomeroy Village, (nr Totnes)

Report: “We were returning from Berry Pomeroy castle to Totnes and took the marked footpath through a field that led down to Berry Pomeroy Village. Although there was a sign to keep dogs on a lead (it was just us two) and cow pats; there were no visible signs of cattle.

We had walked over the ridge and about half way down the field towards the exit gate and spotted around 50 cows (mainly Friesians) standing at the base of the field in the shade. We then noticed a young cow get up by the gate and proceed to walk to the herd who then surrounded it before they all decided to walk up the field towards us. Having walked half way downhill and realising that they were all heading towards us, we realised we would not be able to get down to the gate and needed to turn back up the hill. We calmly walked back up the hill with the herd some distance away but they were moving so quickly that we realised there was no way out – due to the hedge and barbed wire fencing. Just before they got to us we spotted a small gap in the hedge and managed to scramble under the barbed wire and over some more before ending up in nettles that enabled us to get to the adjacent field. Feeling very frightened and stung we got home that way.

Fortunately it was only two of us but had a family or young children been doing that walk or anyone with a dog the whole situation would have resulted in a serious situation. I was terrified. My partner took a video of the incident with them surrounding us at the hedge where we had crawled to.

The Local Authority were really helpful and I also reported it to https://www.hse.gov.uk/contact/tell-us-about-a-health-and-safety-issue.htm regarding a public right of way, but did not hear from them.

We are really keen walkers and love visiting different places. We are close to Dartmoor and I now have a phobia of walking in open spaces when spotting cow pats or cows grazing. In the past I would think nothing of walking around cattle and feeling safe. I think that farmers should really be more responsible about placing their stock where there is a public right of way as these incidents are becoming increasingly frequent. I fully appreciate that farmers are entitled to earn a living but not at the detriment of the public’s safety. We are always fully compliant and respectful of the environment when we are walking and always follow the marked footpaths. These incidents do seem to fall on deaf ears so I would like there to be stricter legislation brought out in order that we can enjoy our environment safely. On an occasion in Dorset we had to take a busy main road back to our camp in the dark as the public footpath went through a field with a huge black bull in it.”

Rebeccah’s run was scarily interrupted by a group of running cows between Sticklepath and Belstone

Date of incident: 13.10.24

Location: Back Road between Sticklepath & Belstone (near Skaigh Cottage) (What three words ///trifle.partners.ambushed)

Status: Lone walker no dog on PRW

Rebeccah’s story

“I was out for a run as usual, and was heading up the road to avoid cows (as recently seen lots on the moor) however, as I turned the corner (on a single track road with houses) there was a group of cows and young cows charging down the road. I had to jump up the bank and hide. I then climbed over the barbed wire fence and crouched. The cows stopped on the road and came towards me. They stood for ages. I was terrified. I stayed still. They then turned around and had their backs to me. They moved up the road a couple of metres but just stopped. I had no clue what to do. I had already been sat there for ten minutes and had no phone signal to call for help. So I eventually braved it, jumped down on to the road and ran as fast as I could back down the hill hoping they wouldn’t chase me. I crossed the cattle grid and stopped. I injured my leg on branches but nothing major.”

Badly frightened on Offa’s Dyke

Incident number: 1012

Response ID: 307,947,666

Date of incident: 08.10.24

Location: Offa’s Dyke path, Lower Gwarthlow Farm, https://explore.osmaps.com/pin?lat=52.549151911985746&lon=-3.1158738261867995&zoom=14.2

Status: Lone walker no dog on PRW

K’s story

“Cows ran over and crowded me from the second I got in the field, not deterred by big stick I was holding. Lots of loud and angry sounding bellowing. They surrounded me and were not backing off as I moved so it was impossible to go forward. I edged back and went around through other fields.”

K wants “Extra fencing along side of field to enable safe access, or housing cows in separate field”

Steve P meets cattle on the Dales High Way

Report number: 985
Date of incident: 3/9/2024
Location: On the Dales High Way, arriving in Appleby, Cumbria.

No dog, lone walker

Report: “I was reaching the end of the Dales High Way, with Appleby now in view. A clearly signposted stile gave access to a field. There was a cow stood directly blocking the stile, with a large herd spanning the field behind it. The cow was clearly refusing to give up any ground. I had to walk further along and scale a tall fence to enter the field. I then waited and then plotted a course to try and avoid the herd. Suddenly, a cow from the group began charging at me without any warning. With no chance of a quick escape, I shouted and clapped loudly. Luckily it swerved and stopped, but was only a few feet from me by that point. By the time I reached the exit, I realised there were indeed young cows amongst them. Although unscathed, this was a very frightening experience and could have ended up badly wrong. This is a well used national walking trail.”

Steve P comments “Large herds with young cows should be kept off public footpaths. There should have at least been an alternative option, like there are in other places in this trail. It is do-able.”

Mandy is charged at by a frisky bullock

Report number: 980
Incident date:1/5/2018
Location: https://what3words.com/rinse.burst.opposites Nr Brading, Isle of Wight

Group of bullocks, lone walker, no dog

Report: “I entered the field (Gander Hill) from the public gate from the Centurian Copse end, onto the footpath, I didn’t know the herd was in the field. After a few minutes I saw them on the top of the hill, there were 20-30 of them, they were frisky. I chose the lower path to keep out of their way as there was not an alternative route. They came nearer but were interested in each other not me, apart from one in particular that was very frisky and watching me closely. They were on the top of the hill, I was below. I should have turned back at that point but kept going, cautiously. Probably they were 100 yards away at least. I carried on for a couple of minutes thinking that I would get to the exit at the other end of the field before them. The one that was interested in me broke away from the rest of the herd and halved the distance between iteself and me in about 10 seconds. It was watching me closing, bucking, agile, dancing almost. The rest of them came a bit closer but were still frisky amoungst themselves and not very interested in me. I was very frightened, rooted to the spot, hands clamped by my side, nowhere to go, I was too far from the edge of the field to get to it and anyway it was a high fence with a lot of brambles and barbed wire. I was scared to wave my arms around or shout at it or move in case I frightened the rest of them into running at me. So I didn’t move at all, just stood stock still. It charged at me. But stopped of its own volition about 20 yards from me, stared at me for a moment and then tossed its head and rejoined the rest of the herd, which then ambled off in the direction of the far gate. I carefully retraced my steps back the way I came and exited the field.”

Mandy comments “Cattle should not be allowed to roam on public land full stop. Where there are farmers fields with footpaths, then those footpaths should be fenced, just basic stock fencing will do. I am happy for footpaths to be sensibly re-routed within the field concerned to allow a sensible solution that protects livestock and humans from unhelpful interactions.”

Henry wants more protection for walkers so they can cross fields safely.

Report number: 979
Date of incident: 30/6/2017
Location: ///Leopard.Riverboat.Soonest. Between Stanton Prior, BA2 9HT and Bath Spa University campus,

Group of cows involved, black angus, red angus, Angus/Hereford cross, lone walker, no dog

Report: “I had passed through the field the day before and observed the cows were very alert and territorial, despite there being no observable calves. On that occasion I decided to leave the field through a fence as I was uncomfortable walking further. The day of the attack I was walking in the opposite direction, from Stanton Prior to Bath Spa University, where I was a student. I entered the field via the footpath and saw the cows on the far side of the field, approx. 400m away. With so much distance between us I felt reasonably ok about walking through, despite my encounter with them the previous day. However, as I continued to walk, keeping a close eye at all times, they gradually began to notice my presence and turned towards me. I kept walking as they were still far away, but then the herd began to move in my direction. I had already picked an exit point to get to if needed and I began to slowly move in the direction of the gap in the hedgerow by the fence. As I was moving away they began to run towards me in a long line, with one cow breaking off and running down the fence line. I was able to get over the fence just before the cow reached me. Had I not been aware of the herd’s previous behaviour and picked an exit route, I’m not sure I would have made it away unscathed. The hedgerow was thick and there were long stretches without exit points. The method the cattle used with one running along the fence line and the remainder spread out and running towards the fence line would have made outrunning them very difficult. I had no dog, was moving cautiously and always keeping distance. In other words this was totally unprovoked and potentially very serious. I filmed the entire encounter as I was so concerned something might happen.”

“I informed the farmer who didn’t take the incident seriously and told me how nice the cows were. This incident totally changed the way I walk in the country, especially around livestock. I will not enter a field with cows again as a result of this.”

Henry comments ” there should be more signage, more communication that this can happen to anyone, not just dog walkers. More exit routes in fields. Ideally more protection for ramblers/walkers so they can cross fields in safety. I used the route as my commute to university and work. Without crossing the field, my walk increased from 20 minutes to 1hr. I had no other method of transportation.”

Cows give chase

Report number: 977
Date of incident:30/8/2024
Location: Lugwardine, field next to river Lugg, Herefordshire

Group of cows, no dog, 2 people.

Report: “We entered the field and didn’t see the cows immediately as they were at the other end and around a curve in the path. When we saw them I got my son to walk nearer to me. We couldn’t see the exit on the path so we stopped and decided to keep well away from the herd and cut across diagonally away from them. Then they stopped eating and all looked at us, then started to run at us, still a distance away. I told my son to run and I was more of a jog and they chased us but when we went back around the curve in the field they didn’t keep up the chase. I knew cows could be dangerous but never actually had an incident like this, scary with an 8 year old.”

Patricia J wants to raise awareness of the many lesser incidents caused by cattle

Report number: 976
Date of incident: 28/2/2017
Location: Approximate grid reference SD 96391 18581. Part of the Pennine Way at Blackstone Edge, Littleborough, nearest postcode OL15 0LG.

3 walkers, no dog.

Report “We were taking a leisurely walk on the Pennine Way public pathway, along the moors between Blackstone Edge and Light Hazzles Reservoir, with my partner’s elderly mother, who was visiting with us. Although fit for her age, Ruth was in her late 70s at the time. We wanted to show her the view of our cottage from the path, which, there and back, should have been an approximately 20 minute walk.”

“Having shown her the breath-taking view, we had just begun the walk back when we saw the path ahead was now blocked by a large group of mostly horned cattle. The amount of them – around 15 – was intimidating, particularly as many were horned and staring at us. They began to move towards us when we attempted to edge towards them. As they were straddled across the only path between very wild, stony and wet, peaty terrain, we had no real choice except to turn and go in the opposite direction. We ended up walking over six miles to get back to our car. My elderly Mother in law really struggled. She never complained but it was clear she was in some pain and it really badly affected her walking ability for months afterwards.”

“Although this happened some years ago, I believe it’s still relevant to report this incident. At the time we didn’t know who to contact or report it to. There were no warning signs, if there had been, we probably would have avoided the area. neither was there any clear indication of who the cattle belonged to. The moorland there is public and very popular with walkers, so I believe it’s likely there’s been many other unreported incidents. We’ve seen the cows up there, from a distance, quite a few times, including earlier this year (and avoided walking there as a result).”

“Although luckily, none of us were directly injured, our encounter did have a bad and long-lasting impact, particularly on my mother-in-law’s health and confidence. I believe my mother-in-law saw her GP when she returned home, as she was still suffering considerable leg/back pain weeks later.”

“The truly horrific injuries rightfully should make the headlines, but there should also be awareness of the many lesser incidents that go unreported. I applaud your campaign for shining a light on these.”

“I wish there was some sort of law to ensure farmers take responsibility for keeping their animals safely penned in particularly when close to or on public land/paths. We live in a semi-rural area and often encounter loose horses and sheep as well as the odd cow. It’s frightening for us and also terrifying – and often injurious – for the animals concerned. Thank you for campaigning to bring more awareness to this issue.”