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The Ramblers offer the following
advice on dealing with livestock when out walking.
Following the tragic death of one walker and the serious injury of another
from a bull attack in Nottinghamshire the Ramblers today (15 November)
offers advice for those walking near livestock and suggests the need to
look again at legislation allowing bulls in fields with public footpaths.
Attacks by animals are extremely rare but do take place. The Ramblers
advises its 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.
Solitary bulls, and bulls of certain breeds, are already banned from being
contained in fields with public footpaths. With new breeds of bull being
introduced and notable changes in the temperament of livestock, the
Ramblers suggests now may be the time for legislation around this issue to
be reviewed.
Rachel Alcock, Ramblers Campaigns Officer, said: “Our deepest sympathies
go out to the gentleman who lost his life, his injured wife, and their
family following a bull attack whilst out walking on a public footpath on
Friday.
“The Ramblers advices people to walk carefully and quietly near livestock
and to close gates when walking through fields containing animals.
“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.”
See Ramblers
website item :
http://www.ramblers.org.uk/news/Latest+news/Ramblers+offer+advice+on+dealing+with+livestock+when+out+walking
Health and Safety
Executive (HSE) Advice
As background information, the HSE states:
Between April 1996 and March 2006, 46 incidents involving cattle and
members of the public were investigated by HSE across Britain. Seven
resulted in death. Almost all these incidents were in fields and enclosed
areas. Many other incidents are not reported to, nor investigated by, HSE.
The two most common factors in these incidents are cows with calves and
walkers with dogs.
All large animals are potentially dangerous. Farmers try to ensure that
the cattle they own or breed from are of a normally quiet temperament.
However, when under stress, eg because of the weather, illness, unusual
disturbance, or when maternal instincts are aroused, even normally placid
cattle can become aggressive. Even gentle knocks from cattle can result in
people being injured. All breeds should be treated with respect.
The full HSE document (pdf) entitled 'Cattle and public access in England
and Wales' can be viewed here
. .
and further information can also be viewed on the HSE web site at :
http://news.hse.gov.uk/2009/07/17/cattle-and-public-access-information-and-advice/
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