Bulls on public right of way - who can I speak to ?

Person_one

Frugalista wrote: »

Fair??? Do you honestly believe that cattle understand the concept of "fair"? :rotfl::rotfl::rotfl:

Probably about as well as you understand the concept of facetious humour, 'rotfl'.

snowman2_2

They were probably curious bullocks, looking for food or attention and unlikely to be dangerous. A cow with calf would be more dangerous. Beef bulls are normally friendly, it is the diary bulls that you have to watch for and no farmer in his right mind would put a dairy bull in a field with a right of way and without some major warning signs. The trouble is, if you run they will follow, just walk confidently and briskly around them.

orlao

What people have to remember is that while a field might have a PROW across it, it is also a farmers source of income - be it crops or livestock.

IMHO, it is unreasonable to expect the nations footpaths to be similar to a public park - a PROW is a right to cross that land from point A to point B following the marked route(found on an OS map) and it should be respected as someone else's property and possibly their livelihood.

OP, I'm with you regarding avoiding a large herd of cattle I've been surrounded by 30 beef steers on a bridleway while on a horse - that was interesting to say the least:eek: Mind you, it was my own fault for not paying attention as I crossed the field...

If you are on foot and cows are being nosy

March on - don't hide in hedgerows, that just makes you more interesting.
Make yourself big and shoo them away - it can be handy to pick up a stick and wave it about - not hit them btw.
Don't run, they will just come after you thinking it's a big game!
Avoid getting surrounded and it's probably not a good place to stand and take in the scenary/take photos/have a picnic IYSWIM.:rotfl:

littleblue735

Update - I spoke to the council who got me in touch with the local ranger. Apparantly this part of the Ouse Valley Way that I walk hasn't been part of the Way for 15 years but Ordrnance Survey willl not amend the maps ( costs too much he thinks ) but its still a public footpath so the gates should not be locked. He will contact the land owner and have a word.

The animals are Beef bulls, there is no restrictions on them being there and he suggests doing as Orlao says.....making lots of noise and waving etc to scare them away ! But he does say that they can be very intimidating and most people would just turn around. Not really an option after walking 8 miles on a circular walk ! Guess I'll have to find another route until the Winter and they are removed.
Thanks for all advice

meritaten

thanks for the update - but so sorry to hear that your favourite walk is now off your list. shame that.

buddys_mum

Many walkers don’t understand the difference between dairy cows and beef cattle. Dairy cows are involved with people every day, and ignore walkers. Beef cattle don’t have any contact with people (other than with the person who placed the tag in the ear). They are essentially wild animals, and can be unpredictable.

Person_one

buddys_mum wrote: »

Many walkers don’t understand the difference between dairy cows and beef cattle. Dairy cows are involved with people every day, and ignore walkers. Beef cattle don’t have any contact with people (other than with the person who placed the tag in the ear). They are essentially wild animals, and can be unpredictable.

Dairy cows who have calves with them can be seriously dangerous, and you'd be surprised how quickly they can move! Its not good to be complacent about either.

suki1964

Person_one wrote: »

Dairy cows who have calves with them can be seriously dangerous, and you'd be surprised how quickly they can move! Its not good to be complacent about either.

Definitely

This time of year I dont walk the dog the same time as the cows are let out of the milking shed. Most of the time its perfectly safe for me to walk through them in the lane as they make their way to whatever field they are going to but when there are calves born - no way.