https://www.grough.co.uk/lib/img/editorial/bull.jpg
Britain’s biggest walkers’ charity has called for a rethink on the law on keeping livestock in fields.
The Ramblers statement came after a walker was killed and his wife critically injured when they were attacked while walking on a public footpath across a field on the Nottinghamshire-Leicestershire border.
The organisation also issued advice to members of the public walking in areas where cattle are grazing.
The Ramblers pointed out that solitary bulls, and bulls of certain breeds, are already banned from being contained in fields with public footpaths. But the introduction of new breeds may mean it is time for legislation to be reviewed.
Campaigns officer Rachel Alcock said: “We have worked closely with the National Farmers Union over cattle management issues and hope to continue to do so but we remain concerned that bulls are allowed in fields with public footpaths when there seems to be no guarantee that supposedly ‘safe’ breeds are actually safe.
“With new breeds of bull being introduced, and changing livestock temperaments being observed, it seems that now is the time to review legislation to ensure the safety and best interests of the public.”
Ms Alcock extended the Ramblers’ condolences to the victims of the attack in Stanford on Soar. “Our deepest sympathies go out to the gentleman who lost his life, his injured wife, and their family following a bull attack while out walking on a public footpath on Friday,” she said.
The Ramblers said: “Attacks by animals are extremely rare but do take place. The Ramblers advise their members and the public to be prepared for animals to react to their presence, especially if a dog is present. It advises the public to walk carefully and quietly near livestock and to close gates when walking through fields containing livestock. Dogs must be kept under control and only released if the livestock becomes threatening and the owner fears for their own safety.”
The couple attacked near Underhill Farm, 3km (2 miles) north-east of Loughborough, did not have a dog with them. Ms Alcock said: “The Ramblers advise people to walk carefully and quietly near livestock and to close gates when walking through fields containing animals.”
The 67-year-old woman remains critical but stable in the Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham after the attack, during which her 63-year-old husband died. The names of the couple, from Glen Parva in Leicestershire, have not yet been released.
Harry A
15 November 2010Livestock in fields! How shocking! These incidents are so rare that ramblers are more at risk walking along country lanes. Are we going to ban cars from the roads to placate the walking lobby? Where does it end? Sympathies to those involved.
Matt Davis
16 November 2010Earlier this year I was attacked by a Cow on the Pennine Way near Greenhead. I approached a small herd on my own and with no dog (as I have in many other occasions) giving them some space and trying to go by as quickly as possible. Two of the cow's were with calf. One obviously took exception and charged me. In trying to escape I stumbled and the next few seconds were a blur of black fur butting me and attemping to roll on me. Fortunatly I am young, fit and agile and used to playing rugby. So getting out of the situation was possible but not without a struggle. Fortunatly apart from bruised ribs and a bad back for several weeks I have fully recovered, and it now acts as a soure of amusemnt to my friends. However, I relaise I was lucky and on another day I might not have been.
Where I'm going with this is; in no way was it the animals fault. They are merely following their instincts whatever they are and it is "us" the humans who are actually invading upon them. Yes, farmers, etc... have a duty of care to make sure that animals don't congragate at entrance / exit to PRoW and so on. But they also have a living to make and it's actually us pursuing our liesure activities that should be tolerant and more aware of the type of enviroment we are going into. Objective danger lies everywhere in the outdoors and not just in the obvious high octane sports.
We should all be prepared to accept this OR make an alternative decision (I chose to try go by the cows). The choice is ours and its too easy to look to blame others.
Helen
01 June 2011I was also attacked by cows, in a similar manner to Matt. I also feel lucky to be alive.
My gripe was that I was on a public footpath, and the farmer had placed the cattle feeding trough right at the side of path. That at least should not be allowed.