East Sussex County Council bosses are urging walkers to take care this summer when encountering cattle after a man was killed by cows in a field in Guestling last month. Walkers are reminded, particularly those with dogs, that the normally docile animals can become aggressive, especially when calves are present. ESCC would like people to enjoy the countryside but take care around animals and keep as safe as possible. Be sure to carry a mobile phone to call for help if necessary. Follow the advice given by the National Farmers Union and The Ramblers Association. Both say that cows can feel threatened by dogs and are therefore, more likely to attack.
Their advice to walkers is: Try to avoid getting between cows and their calves. Be prepared for cattle to react to your presence, especially if you have a dog with you, move quickly and quietly, and if possible walk around the herd. Keep your dog close, on a short lead, and under effective control. Remember to close gates behind you when walking through fields containing livestock. Don’t hang onto your dog if you are threatened by cattle – let it go as the cattle will chase the dog and not you. Don’t put yourself at risk by walking close to cattle. Find another way round the cattle and re-join the footpath as soon as possible. Don’t panic or run – most cattle will stop before they reach you. If they follow just walk on quietly. The beautiful East Sussex countryside is working farmland which helps form its character and makes it such a pleasure to walk in, but with any working environment there are certain risks. It is important to anticipate contact with animals. The countryside is where farmers earn their living and produce food for us all, so there is no escaping the fact that cattle and sheep will be grazed there. It is often these activities that make landscapes like the South Downs and the Sussex Weald so attractive. Farmers understand their duty of care and that the best way to prevent accidents is to identify and minimise risk. They are also encouraged to display signs explaining to walkers how to avoid cattle-related incidents and especially how to manage dogs in the presence of livestock. [Sussex Ramblers]
[First printed August 2017]
