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How to stay safe when walking and hiking through fields of cows
Unfortunately, the hazards or otherwise that can be encountered when walking though fields where there are cows has been in the news again recently (June 2009). One of the incidents reported has tragically resulted in the death of a walker, Liz Crowsley on the Pennine Way.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) figures released recently showed that 18 people have been killed and 481 injured by cows in the past eight years.
Since the Countryside and Rights of Way Act (CRoW) was passed in 2000, the HSE has urged farmers and land-owners to consider the level and type of public access on their land and to take this into account when planning where cattle should be kept and the precautions that should be in place. A spokesman for the NFU commenting on the recent fatality said:
" ..... millions of people walk through fields every year and attacks on members of the public by cattle are extremely rare.
Our advice to walkers is if you have a dog with you, keep it under close control, but do not hang on to it should a cow or bull start acting aggressively.
If you feel threatened, just carry on as normal, do not run, move to the edge of the field and if possible find another way round the field, returning to the original path as soon as is possible. And remember to close the gate."
It seems that the biggest risks are:
- walking with dogs
- walking near cattle who are with young calves. Their natural instinct is to protect their young - and you (especially with a dog in tow) - may be seen as an especially big threat.
So - if you are with a dog, avoid going through a field with cows at all. Although it may be inconvenient, it's probably better to consider finding another route. Be especially vigilant if you find yourself with your dog in a field with both cows and calves.
Even without a dog, try to keep quiet and move away calmly and out of the field as soon as possible. Try not to surprise the cows - remember that their line of vision is to the side and not straight in front.
If cows get too close, turning quietly to face them with arms outstretched is considered to be the best approach.
If you are involved in an incident or are hurt you should contact the HSE, the local Rights-of-Way officer and the police if the incident is serious.
Whilst the countryside certainly isn't a playground, a few simple precautions should mean that we can all continue to enjoy it and farmers and land-owners can get on with their work too.
For more information on walking near cattle (and bulls):
Excuse me, but you're crowding me - A Readers' Tale
Excuse me, but who's your mate? - A Readers' Tale
Walking Hiking and Rambling with Dogs - Dogs Off Leads and Walking
Advice from The National Farmers' Union
“If you are with a dog you should definitely not shout at them to try to move them away: the dog will interpret this as a cue that they are a threat and will then behave aggressively, which could provoke a counter-attack by the cows. It's also worth assessing whether the field is likely to be used a lot by walkers and dogs, in which case the cows will be used to them. Here in Cambridge we have cows on the commons in the centre of town during the summer and they are generally oblivious to people or dogs.”
, Cambridge
“My experience with walking through fields of cows when you are on your own without dogs is that they are very curious but also nervy, and if they suddenly make towards you in a large group, it is usually because they think you are the farmer with food. If you face them, they should stop, so walk calmly and quietly back to a gate or stile. If you turn, they will come towards you quicker, even running, so stay facing them and they shouldn't venture closer. Staying calm is the key.”
Anne Mills, Wraxall
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