Northern Ireland Outdoors Forum - Hiking, camping and more
Information => Outdoor News and Events => Topic started by: admin on August 24, 2009
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Farming unions have warned walkers, especially those with dogs, to be aware of the dangers posed by cows with calves.
Three people have died in as many months and others have been injured.
They include the former Home Secretary David Blunkett who was trampled while walking with his guide dog.
Farmers are becoming increasingly worried and say walkers should be aware that cattle are naturally protective towards calves and can attack dogs.
Three walkers have died in the past three months alone.
The former Home Secretary David Blunkett was trampled earlier this year as he was out walking with his guide dog Sadie in the Peak District.
The Sheffield MP let Sadie go and she ran to safety.
He suffered three broken ribs and bruising.
"It made me realise how serious this can be and I've had literally scores of letters from people injured or relatives of people who have been injured or even killed," said Mr Blunkett.
The farming unions say walkers who feel threatened by cattle should always let their dog off the lead.
They say they want people to enjoy the countryside but be aware of the dangers.
Ed Rees, chairman of the livestock board at the National Farmers' Union Cymru (NFU), said it was natural that cows would protect their calves.
"Initially when you're walking with a dog, keep it on a lead in case you encounter sheep.
"But if it's cattle, and if they come towards you, let the dog go as they'll see the dog as the enemy and if you're seen as trying to protect your dog, you may be in trouble.
"Just take a walking stick with you - be bold and walk straight through them. These animals are just protecting themselves and they see the dog as a threat to themselves and their calves."
Mr Rees said it was tragic when the trampling incidents occurred but they were still very rare.
Farmer Harold Lee, 75, from Somerset died in hospital earlier this month after being trampled after his herd were apparently startled by a fire engine siren.
A walker, Anita Hinchey, 63, was trampled to death in July by cows when she tried to rescue her dog which ran into the herd near Cardiff.
In June, 49-year-old vet Liz Crowsley was trampled to death by a herd of cattle while walking the Pennine Way with her two dogs.
Before the latest incidents, Health and Safety Executive figures showed that 18 people had been killed and 481 injured by cows in the previous eight years.
Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8216869.stm
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They include the former Home Secretary David Blunkett who was trampled while walking with his guide dog.
Source:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/8216869.stm
I think the dog new what he was doing ;D ;D ;D
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MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVEEEEE
(http://i291.photobucket.com/albums/ll310/Dazzauk_bucket/Wf-Cows/NQLoseHill_0087.jpg)
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It might look cute but given the chance it'll kill you and everyone you hold dear.
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cute??????????
Look at its crazy eyes this dude is about to do some real damage
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LOL lads, I think it wont make a great spit roast ;D