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Cows and calves
Wayside
Posts: 845
Walked past a field of cows yesterday with their young. Luckily I was separated by fencing. The mothers were still very protective. I tried to tempt the little ones over for a stroke, and being the curious beasts that they are, they did approach me. But their mums were not impressed at all, and were quick to move them away from me.
I'm never that comfortable crossing a field with livestock. When I was younger it didn't really bother me, but after hearing a couple of bad tales, I now try to avoid if at all possible. I did try and research some stats via http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/og/og-00058.htm . There are many killed by cows - mainly farmers by all accounts. But I couldn't really find any info on as to how to calm cows or what to do if attacked.
I'm not sure if cries of "I'm a vegetarian!" will be that great a deterrent. Any advice?
I'm never that comfortable crossing a field with livestock. When I was younger it didn't really bother me, but after hearing a couple of bad tales, I now try to avoid if at all possible. I did try and research some stats via http://www.hse.gov.uk/foi/internalops/og/og-00058.htm . There are many killed by cows - mainly farmers by all accounts. But I couldn't really find any info on as to how to calm cows or what to do if attacked.
I'm not sure if cries of "I'm a vegetarian!" will be that great a deterrent. Any advice?
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Posts
I wish farmers would not put cows with calves into fields that have public footpaths crossing them. Store cattle are bad enough, but at least they usually stop when you face them. Still a very risky situation though. Letting the dog run - which is the standard advice - is often not a safe option for us. A couple of very close run things has left me rather reluctant to tackle long cross country walks, which is a shame, but it's just not safe except in winter when it's just not fun.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”
I have no time for the sort of people who drive into the countryside, open a gate and let their dog out of the car to run amok (and it happens around here). I'm not defending people who scream 'not fair' at the suggestion they may have to share the countryside with people trying to make a living here. I just think it can cut both ways, and a little consideration for the people who are trying to behave responsibly and not be put in a position where they have to let their dogs off lead in open country in order to avoid being trampled would be helpful in the overall scheme of things.
At the very least, a notice on a stile/gate saying there are cattle in this field so here's a suggested alternative route, would be useful.
“It's still magic even if you know how it's done.”