Following a number of recent incidents throughout the UK with walkers being badly injured or killed by cattle, the Lake District National Park Authority and the National Farmers’ Union (NFU) are issuing a joint safety advice reminder.
Andrea Meanwell, the Lake District National Park Authority’s Farming Officer said: “Cows with calves will be protective of their young so you should avoid getting too close. If you mistakenly do, then please don’t make a run for it, move away slowly. Don’t turn your back on the cattle and don’t make eye contact as they can find this intimidating.
“The countryside code advises that dogs should always be under close control around livestock but if you are feeling threatened by cattle the advice is to drop the lead to allow your dog to run away.”
NFU Cumbria County Chairman Ian Bowness said: “Sadly, we have learnt of several incidents nationally in the past month in which members of the public have lost their lives. Our sympathies are with the families of those involved.
“The countryside is a busy working environment, so we need to ensure that the millions of people who visit every year can continue to do so safely and responsibly.
“The countryside code provides information to members of the public about how they can stay safe and enjoy the countryside responsibly. This includes keeping to public rights of way where safe and appropriate to do so, always keeping a dog under effective control and releasing your dog if feeling threatened by livestock.”
More information on the Countryside Code can be found here: https://www.lakedistrict.gov.uk/visiting/countryside-code
