“The One Show” demonstrated recently that cattle are much faster than us, and we cannot outrun them across a field. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. The advice given generally seems right (see How to stay safe when walking and hiking through fields of cows). Don't shout at them, or wave your arms aggressively. The field had about half a dozen cows grazing seemingly peacefully and not bothered by two walkers. Keep calm. What to know when walking a footpath through a field of cows. On other occasions we have either been forced back over the stile we had just crossed, pinned against a fence by a lone protector, or charged by a whole herd (thankfully there was a fence between us and them as the footpath passed to the side of the field). If you do decide to walk through the field try to give it a reasonably wide berth and walk as quietly round it as you can (try not to run!). First of all, you must remember that cows are friendly characters in the main, but if they feel threatened then they will try to protect themselves, just as we all would. The 63-year-old woman was out for an afternoon stroll with a friend when the tragedy unfolded. Watch for top tips to keep you and your dog safe on countryside walks. keep any dogs on a lead so you can control the dogs. Stop, look and listen on entering a field. Be aware that cows are inquisitive creatures and will most likely come towards you to investigate you and your dog. From there we were safe, although he did follow in his field to make sure we were not coming back. If you reach a situation where you feel that you and your dog are in danger, you may decide to let your dog off the lead so you can both reach safety. This site is owned and operated by Paul Gent. If they are approaching at a leisurely pace they are most likely curious. They can worry the cows and make them unpredicatble, so if you are approaching a field of cows and see a dog is loose, you may wish to ask the owner to put it on a lead or wait until s/he and the dog have left the field. If cows know one thing, it's when there is an open gate--they will generally attempt to get to the greener grass on the other side. Evaluate surrounding terrain carefully if you encounter cows … His top tip? From giving to volunteering, people like you play a vital role in supporting our work -. But now, some gormless farmer has decided to dump 50 cows in the field, Is it safe for me to walk my Dog through the field full of cows… However when we climbed into the field, with Paco in tow, one lone cow came running towards us. Walkers should "be bold" and walk on through threatening herds of cattle, according to a farming union. Look out for any animals and watch how they are behaving, particularly bulls or cows with calves; 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 They may not mean harm, but due to their size it is not surprising if you became anxious. Stay quiet and calm. Bulls and Public Rights of Way. After licking Paco and Nicky’s leg, which helps the cow get a better scent of them, Nicky eventually managed to slide by the fence far enough to where there was a gap into another field. It seems that the biggest risks are: walking with dogs. Tips To Cross A Field With Cows Make yourself as large as possible; put your hands out to your side and wave in order to make you seem larger. "As I continued walking I saw about 30 of them. Rich Heady is a mixed farmer in Buckinghamshire. The idea of a walk through fly trap to protect cattle from horn flies was first presented in 1899 with some additional work in 1930. Rejoin the footpath as soon as it is safe. Don’t walk through the middle of the herd, because you don’t want to separate one from its mates and spook it. However, lets just clarify the situation when walking with a dog. If it’s a field you come across often, learn about the herd – do they get let out to graze often, or are they kept couped up most of the time. Opening a gate with your arms full while trying to keep a herd of cows from also getting through the gate is a challenge. I was interested in getting some to try them out, so wanted to... Hi I'm Paul, I have taken up walking since my partner Nicky rescued our dog, Paco, from the streets of Romania through a charity, Perrera Dogs UK. The outside area around the trap should be fenced to exclude cows. We looked at the footpath and this went straight through the area they were grazing, so opted to follow the hedges and fences at the side of the field, to stay out of their way. I also hate dogs that are not kept under control and have had the odd cross word. If there is no alternative route, stay on the footpath and walk calmly through the field. The farmer's gate where the cows enter the field is tucked away over the brow of a shallow hill. Yet there are such a minimal amount of injuries and dangerous situations. It is an offence to allow a bull over 10 months old and on its own to be at large in a field crossed by a public right of way. Do this if your dog and avoid walking a footpath through a field them. These tips, although he did follow in his field to make sure we were not coming.... To volunteering, people like you play a vital role in supporting our work - to quietly... And your dog on a lead in a field animals, do so vital role in supporting our work.... 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