A word of caution when near cattle.

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Triggermortis

Well-Known Member
My sympathies are with the gentleman’s family at this sad time.
This might also be a time for those that stalk or shoot over ground that holds cattle of any age or sex to remember that when in the same field never turn your back and always play safe and assume they are not of a friendly nature.
This poor chap obviously knew the cattle in question but it does go to show that when dealing with livestock it can be very dangerous should you show the slightest complacency.
Once again, my deepest condolences to all who knew the gent.
Triggermortis
 
The thing to remember about close contact with cattle is that they are big, immensely strong, dumb, curious and cowardly particularly when there is a group of them. They may have no malice intended but can still kill or maim you. Lose focus on them at your peril. The particular job that I have means I see between thirty and forty instances of killing or maiming at work every year. A large contribution from agriculture and always a significant number related to animal handling. Very sorry to hear that another person has been lost. Triggermortis is exactly correct, complacency is a potential killer.
 
Triggermortis said:
My sympathies are with the gentleman’s family at this sad time.
This might also be a time for those that stalk or shoot over ground that holds cattle of any age or sex to remember that when in the same field never turn your back and always play safe and assume they are not of a friendly nature.
This poor chap obviously knew the cattle in question but it does go to show that when dealing with livestock it can be very dangerous should you show the slightest complacency.
Once again, my deepest condolences to all who knew the gent.
Triggermortis
Click to expand...
Have you a link to this Tm?
 
A quick read and they had dogs with them. It was probably the dogs that made the cows aggressive and trample. The couple weren't the original target, but the automatic reaction of the dogs are to return to their owners feet and that made them the target unfortunately
 
Until recently I was the H&S officer for the local wildfowling club and had to write risk assesments including cattle in fields.
Cattle are big and protective of their young.
It's simular to riding a motorbike on the road, treat everything and every person as if it wants to kill you and you will survive.
1 Don't go into a field with cows and calves if you have a dog.
2 If you do keep an eye on the cattle and if they approach take the lead of the dog, it can run faster than you and the cows.
3 Stay close to the bounderies.
4 Do not run, a cow will always out run you.
5 Now we get to the brave bit, I worked with cows for 10 years, most are only inquisitive and will bound at you, don't run away, they will run you down, run at them they will scatter. I can guarantee it.
6 It doesn't work if they have small calves, they will just have a great time enjoying themselves jumping up and down on you.
7 Never take your eyes off the cattle.
8 Now the most difficult bit, use common sense.
Have a good day.
 
John Gryphon said:
Have you a link to this Tm?
Click to expand...
No not directly John I don’t, apart from it’s a tragic accident involving the loss of a human being.
However I have witnessed others attacked and been chased across the field myself.
Speaking for myself I have a very healthy respect for any livestock, I once witnessed a lone ram put my mate on his back then continue to charge repeatedly every time he tried to stand.
Whilst dogs are an issue if you can send your dogs out and away it can be a life saver.
 
Andyquadra said:
A quick read and they had dogs with them. It was probably the dogs that made the cows aggressive and trample. The couple weren't the original target, but the automatic reaction of the dogs are to return to their owners feet and that made them the target unfortunately
Click to expand...
Indeed. Cows and calves and dogs are a toxic mix. Recommend approach is to not have dogs on a lead as cow will chase dog away so if my on a lead it can run away from you, whereas if on a lead, then……!

Of course this requires the dog to be well trained in the first instance so not to just run after the cattle as soon as off the lead.

The worst are bullocks- nutless teenagers with attitude and size!
 
Some years ago I shot a fox in a field containing South Devon cows and calves, one of the cows started bellowing like a bull and within a few minutes all that was left of the fox was a red smear of mud. The noise from a couple of the cows was so loud a farmer from almost a mile away drove over to see what was causing it. Quite an eye-opener!
 
A few years ago I was out stalking Roe from a high seat go there well before dawn up seat all good except no Roe to see when packing up got back down seat rifle in slip unloaded and off I March circa 200 yds to fence line. Next minute lots of cows all with part grown calves start heading my way, 2 minutes later they are all round me as I am walking, kept waving my sticks in front and prodding the odd one while trying to keep up a decent pace. In my mind all the thoughts were running, cows trample people if they have calves, should I get the rifle out and load it!!, do cows smell fear ( In which case I was doomed as there was a strong waft of it from me!) should I fire a shot in the air or would that be my last act. Eventually got to barb wire fence and bounded over it. Sat back in wagon to chill and let heart rate recover
 
foxhunter said:
More idiots out walking in the countryside with no common sense.
Cattle can be dangerous and I always give them a wide berth.
Interesting to read that she thinks farmers should be protecting the public , simple dont warning fields containing cattle with dogs ..doh 🤦‍♂️
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A little harsh and whilst I agree in part we have fields with public footpaths running through and the cattle could be in parts of that field but the public would not be aware until it's too late.
We regular shoot foxes in fields with cattle but I will never leave the fence line, I'm scared ******ss of the things
 
That's awful news, I'm really not a fan of being in the same field as cows especially with my dogs.
There's a few "friendly" cows on one of my clients places, they'll run up to you - scary as - then they nudge you which isn't ideal as they're bloody strong. If you shoot a fox in their field they're massively inquisitive and it's a nightmare to retrieve, black plastic bag helps they don't like the noise. Oh and the buggers escape and appear in random places. If they're on the other side of the gate though, they're really rather nice and love an ear and chin scratch
 
VanGogh76 said:
That's awful news, I'm really not a fan of being in the same field as cows especially with my dogs.
There's a few "friendly" cows on one of my clients places, they'll run up to you - scary as - then they nudge you which isn't ideal as they're bloody strong. If you shoot a fox in their field they're massively inquisitive and it's a nightmare to retrieve, black plastic bag helps they don't like the noise. Oh and the buggers escape and appear in random places. If they're on the other side of the gate though, they're really rather nice and love an ear and chin scratch
Click to expand...
A lot of farmers encourage livestock near to them by rustling a feed bag.

Small wonder farmers themselves get stressed by strangers (esp clueless ones) wandering in fields among their livestock, with or without dogs.
 
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Triggermortis said:
No not directly John I don’t, apart from it’s a tragic accident involving the loss of a human being.
However I have witnessed others attacked and been chased across the field myself.
Speaking for myself I have a very healthy respect for any livestock, I once witnessed a lone ram put my mate on his back then continue to charge repeatedly every time he tried to stand.
Whilst dogs are an issue if you can send your dogs out and away it can be a life saver.
Click to expand...
I think he means do you have a link to the news article…
 
Cattle and Horses are big animals with sharp teeth and hooves. They know that they are major ingredient within a McDonalds hamburger. Within their DNA and psyche they are programmed for fight or flight with anything that may want to eat them. That’s their first, second, third and nth plus one instinct.

You need to remember this when you are near them.

And if you show any fear, they sense this and will respond accordingly.

Unfortunately in the UK most of us have limited direct knowledge of farming or the countryside. Probably down to land tenure whereby eldest son inherits the land and rest of the offspring go and do other things. Most have very little experience of big animals and how they work. And just like people 99% of cattle, sheep, horses are absolutely fine. It’s the 1% that cause the trouble - challenge is spotting the 1%.
 
Barn cattle ( those kept in dark barns all winter ) Then get let out once the weather improves are a PITA ! Especially with the Bulls . its amazing how stupid walkers can be even taking young children in the fields with them ( i only warn those with kids now- As i frankly couldn't live with myself if i did not and something occurred ) They aint my cattle i am talking about btw .
 
Very sad. Jeez I think myself lucky.

As a teenager, I was lamping on foot for rabbits on a mates farm. We’re in the middle of a field next to each other when I hear a belter of a fart - I turn to him and go “Steve” to which he replies “not me mate”

We turn in the pitch black to see a line of 40 ninja cows with glowing eyes 30 yards behind us looking at us inquisitively.

Made it to the fence line safe, but could have been so different.

Have to say, don’t like being in the same field as horses or cows.
 
TringSaint said:
The worst are bullocks- nutless teenagers with attitude and size!
Click to expand...
I totally disagree with that.. steers/bullocks don`t give a continental really and will come over only due to the curious factor, its cows with young calves that get pi$$ed off with dogs, not people.
I go though a few hundred Angus here every day and they are very "dog aware" due to the predatory wild dogs although I do admit if I`m in the ute and the dog is running free they know its friendly fire so they don`t get huffy.
Cows with wee calves will respond to a dog with some fury depending on how close the dog trots past the calf. If a calf bawls EVERY cow comes running.
I have wild dogs eating a dead calf atm, they are pulling it around like a rag doll but are trap shy...I have another plan though.
 
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