News of the deaths of three people trampled by cattle this year whilst out walking has prompted several queries regarding walking through cattle.

General advice provided by farmer Ed Rees, of NFU Cymru, is not to show fear, to take a walking stick with you and to walk boldly and quietly along your route. See: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8216869.stm


• It is generally walkers with dogs who need to be aware of the risks when crossing a field of cattle. It is the dog that the cattle see as a threat rather than the people and a problem may occur if the walker is protecting the dog. See advice below.

• Cows with calves are naturally protective and may attack dogs. The best advice is:

- If you can, don't take a dog into a field with cows and calves;

- If you do, keep the dog on a short lead;

- Try not to get between cows and their calves.

- Be aware that the calf may look large to you but if the cow is in the field it will still act to protect its young.

- If the cows approach and you are concerned, let the dog go and proceed boldly yourself.

- Don't panic or run, most cattle will stop before they reach you. If they follow, just walk on quietly.

• The NFU together with The Ramblers have provided new signs and advice for walkers with dogs strolling near cattle. See: www.nfuonline.com/x41621.xml

˜Spring and early summer are when cows feel most vulnerable to interlopers, but they can be spooked into reacting at any time of year If you find yourself in a field of suddenly wary cattle, move away as carefully and quietly as possible. Keep dogs close and on a leash and, if the cows charge, let go the leash. The dog will outrun the cows and it will outrun you.' Sharon Woods, Ramblers


˜The British countryside is working land where animals graze in close proximity to walkers, which is why it's such a pleasure to walk in. As with any working environment, there are certain risks and it is untenable to remove all those risks from our surroundings.' Tom Franklin, Ramblers

The deaths are tragic for everyone involved and it is important to remember that walking in the countryside is still a safe and enjoyable activity for the majority of walkers.

˜Enjoy the countryside and be aware of the dangers.' NFU advice

August 2009

Additional note on bulls in fields

Question: What is best practice when there is a bull in a field with a public right of way running through it?

Answer: Do not enter a field with a lone bull in it. Otherwise, it depends on the type of bull. A farmer can keep a bull in a field with a public right of way (PROW) going through it as long as the bull isn't a dairy breed and is accompanied by cows or heifers and isn't aggressive or posing a danger to people. It is against the law to keep a dairy bull in a field with a PROW running through it.