Farmer’s ‘aggressive black cow’ attacked OAP and tried to kill his canine on path

A farmer has been slapped with a wonderful after considered one of a herd of cows went on a rampage, attacking an OAP and making an attempt to kill his canine.

Patrick Atherton and his 13-year-old Border Collie, named Lad, have been strolling via a subject close to Birdcage Farm in Ottery Saint Mary, Devon on June 12, 2022. The 70-year-old, initially from West Kirkby, Wirral, moved to the world greater than three a long time in the past

He and the pooch recurrently walked alongside the general public footpath. Mr Atherton defined Lad was on a lead when the animals charged at them – leaving them fearing for his or her lives.

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Mr Atherton, a retired chartered surveyor stated: “It was ironic that for the first time, I had kept Lad on his lead as I had noticed two young calves in the field and thought if he was walking by my side they wouldn’t really notice. Unfortunately, one black cow did and it charged at us, knocking me down by the hedge that bordered the path.

“I tried to stand up and let Lad off his lead but they kept on knocking me over. There was about seven cows involved, but it was the very aggressive black cow that was trying to kill my dog.

“I thought we were going to die. I was powerless to do anything. We were surrounded by cattle and I could hear Lad shrieking in pain as he was repeatedly kicked and stamped on.”

The pair have been solely free of the nightmare when somebody – presumed to be the farmer – started shouting, prompting the animals to run again to the farm. Mr Atherton says Lad was badly injured and needed to be rushed to the veterinarian.

Adding that the pooch was by no means the identical after the incident, and needed to take remedy for the remainder of his life. Lad sadly handed away in September of this 12 months.

Mr Atherton managed to flee with solely cuts and bruises. The 70-year-old retiree continued: “I just want to make other people aware of the risks when out enjoying popular footpaths such as this one.”

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has prosecuted the farmer accountable in consequence. Their investigation discovered that cattle with younger calves, that are identified to be protecting and unpredictable, have been being saved in a subject with a public proper of manner throughout it. Meaning they posed a threat to walkers, particularly to these with canines.

HSE inspector Simon Jones stated: “It is fortunate that the injuries sustained by Mr Atherton weren’t life-threatening, however given the nature of the attack the end result could have been far worse. Public knowledge – and concern – is increasing about how dangerous cattle can be. On this occasion, Mr Atherton took the right precautions and HSE has taken action against the farmer in question.

“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. Farmers should not place cattle with calves in fields where members of the public have a legal right to walk. Had John Hallett followed this simple rule, then this incident could have been prevented.”

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