News Release – be safe around livestock|
Back story; 2 separate reports of this happening this week in separate locations. People walking through random fields to get to Curragh’s & people with dogs walking through a field to get from the road to the coastal footpath/Beach so they can avoid car parks.
Start:
Social distancing walkers are increasingly looking for new routes and ‘safer’ places to walk.
Manx NFU’ Meat and Livestock Chairman, Danny Creer warns how dangerous this can be.
Please do not enter fields with livestock especially when looking for alternative routes to walk during the Pandemic. Farmers intentionally keep protective Cows with Calves away from Public Rights of Way and we would urge walkers to respect any Livestock they do come across in fields and follow these safety precautions.
In 2015 cows were officially declared the most dangerous large animals in the Britain Isles, with 74 people killed between 2000 and 2015.
Advice for walkers
When out walking in the countryside it is important to remember that it is a working environment where animals graze. So walkers should be mindful of their surroundings to fully enjoy the experience. Be vigilant, especially on entering a field or where you cannot see the whole field, and try to stay away from animals and to be aware of their movements. In the spring it’s especially important to be sympathetic to farm animals rearing their young and give them space.
When walking with dogs in fields with cattle, the advice is to avoid getting between cows and their calves; to keep your dog under close and effective control on a lead around cows and sheep, but not to hang onto your dog if you are threatened by cattle – let it go and allow the dog to run to safety.
This offers the best chance of a safe outcome to both you and your dog. If you feel threatened by animals protecting their territory or young, do not run. Move to the edge of the field and, if possible, find another way round.
Do
- 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 and under effective control on a lead around cows and sheep
Don’t
- Don’t hang onto your dog. If you are threatened by cattle – let it go as to allow the dog to run to safety.
- Don’t put yourself at risk. Find another way round the cattle and rejoin 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.
Advice for farmers
Farmers also have a responsibility for the safety of the animals in their fields, and for those walking across their land. Farmers who keep livestock in fields crossed by public rights of way may face civil and/or criminal proceedings if members of the public are injured by their livestock.
If you are aware that particular animals are likely to be upset by people walking in their field, or are likely to behave aggressively towards people, then you should consider whether they should be in a place with public access, or one where walkers are known to stray. Some livestock species and breeds of bull are prohibited from being in a field containing a right of way.
