Following the tragic death of one walker and the serious injury of another from a bull attack in Nottinghamshire the Ramblers has issued advice for those walking near livestock and have suggested the need to look again at legislation allowing bulls in fields with public footpaths/access.
Attacks by animals are extremely rare but do take place. The Ramblers advises its members and the public to be prepared for animals to react to their presence, especially if a dog is present. It advises the public to walk carefully and quietly near livestock and to close gates when walking through fields containing livestock. Dogs must be kept under control and only released if the livestock becomes threatening and the owner fears for their own safety.
Solitary bulls, and bulls of certain breeds, are already banned from being contained in fields with public footpaths. With new breeds of bull being introduced and notable changes in the temperament of livestock, the Ramblers suggests now may be the time for legislation around this issue to be reviewed.
Rachel Alcock, Ramblers Campaigns Officer, said: “Our deepest sympathies go out to the gentleman who lost his life, his injured wife, and their family following a bull attack whilst out walking on a public footpath on Friday.
“The Ramblers advices people to walk carefully and quietly near livestock and to close gates when walking through fields containing animals.
“We have worked closely with the National Farmers Union over cattle management issues and hope to continue to do so but we remain concerned that bulls are allowed in fields with public footpaths when there seems to be no guarantee that supposedly ‘safe’ breeds are actually safe.
“With new breeds of bull being introduced, and changing livestock temperaments being observed, it seems that now is the time to review legislation to ensure the safety and best interests of the public.”