Two walkers had to escape a cow attack by climbing a tree on a public right of way in North Yorkshire.
The dog walkers, Janicke Tvedt and David Hood were out walking with a dog, which was on its lead, on 25 July 2021. A segment of their walk took them over fields and public rights of way near Shaws Farm.
After walking into a field off Foxholme Lane, they saw several cows in a field the path cut through, including some mothers with calves, so they decided to give them plenty of space, passing through an opening in a hedge. As they did this, they encountered a single cow with two calves, at which point their dog was attacked.
Having escaped this encounter, they were then cornered by a group of other cows, and Ms. Tvedt, 57, was knocked off her feet and trampled. She was helped back onto her feet by her friend, but by this point they were surrounded by roughly 15 cows and had to climb a nearby tree to avoid being attacked again.
Ms. Tvedt had to be airlifted to hospital, having suffered broken ribs, hoof marks on her chest and legs, a broken thumb, and severe internal injuries that required emergency surgery.
Three years later, her mobility remains severely restricted, but she is keen to share her experience in order to raise awareness of the dangers posed by cows in fields accessible by the public.
Ms. Tevdt said: “I had the imprints of hoof marks, bruises, cuts and grazes all over my body. I was convinced that if I fell asleep, I would never wake up.
“I still have anxiety when on walks in the countryside and am always on alert for the presence of cattle.
“We live in a rural community and there are lots of footpaths around the fields in the area and I do not want other peoples lives to be at risk.
“I want to ensure the emphasis of my story is to improve awareness of the dangers of cows, particularly those in fields with footpaths. I am determined not to take on the mantle of being a victim as it’s disempowering.”
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation found that livestock were being kept in a field with a public right of way, with insufficient measures taken to protect members of the public from cows and their calves. A warning sign had been destroyed but not replaced.
Cows are known to be unpredictable around perceived intruders, as they are protecting their calves. They can be a risk to walkers, especially ones with dogs.
Martin Falshaw of Falshaw Partners, Shaws Farm, Ripon, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (2) of the Health & Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. The company was fined £770.50 and ordered to pay £4,539 in costs.
After the hearing, HSE principal inspector Howard Whittaker said:
“The injuries sustained by Janicke have been devastating and completely changed her life.
“However, given the nature of the attack, the end result could have been far worse and resulted in two people losing their lives.
“Public knowledge – and concern – is increasing about how dangerous cattle can be. We completely echo the countryside code which urges walkers to beware of the dangers. On this occasion, the pair tried to stay well away.
“Cattle are extremely protective of their calves and even calm cattle can become aggressive if they think the calves may, in any way, be threatened, even by members of the public walking past.
“Where possible, farmers should avoid putting cattle, especially cows with calves, in fields where members of the public have a legal right to walk.
“Had Martin Falshaw followed this advice, or effectively segregated the cattle, this incident could have been prevented.”
The prosecution was brought by HSE enforcement lawyer Rebecca Schwartz, with support from paralegal officer Lucy Gallagher.
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