NFU and ramblers send sign to walkers on cows

This Bank Holiday the NFU and The Ramblers are urging people to enjoy the countryside, but to enjoy it safely. This includes providing new signs and advice to walkers with dogs strolling near cattle.

Walkers will see the new yellow and black signs reminding them that dogs can harm or scare farm animals. The signs, which have been produced by the NFU for its farmer members, give a clear reminder to walkers using public footpaths to keep dogs on leads but - importantly - to let them go if they’re being chased or feel threatened by cattle. The signs read: ‘Your dog can scare or harm farm animals – Keep it on a lead around livestock, but let go if chased by cattle.’

NFU Deputy President Meurig Raymond said: “Farmers take care before placing livestock into fields, particularly those with a footpath, but equally the public should also be aware and must know what to do if cattle approach them. That is why we support the advice of the Ramblers for walkers with dogs. However we must not forget that the countryside is where farmers earn their living and that is where cattle and sheep will be grazed.”

Tom Franklin, CEO of the Ramblers, said: “The British countryside is working land where animals graze in close proximity to walkers, which is why it’s such a pleasure to walk in. As with any working environment there are certain risks and it is untenable to remove all those risks from our surroundings.
“Incidents of people being attacked by cattle are few and far between, thankfully, and it would be counter to the interest of people who walk and farmers alike to see cattle closed off behind fences in fields. We urge people who walk not to let the very low risk of cattle attacks put them off enjoying the countryside when it is at its loveliest.”

There is also some simple advice that walkers can follow to minimise the risk of an accident happening:
Do
• Try not to get between cows and their calves
• Be prepared for cattle to react to your presence, especially if you have a dog with you
• Move quickly and quietly, and if possible walk around the herd
• Keep your dog close and under effective control on a lead
Don’t
• Don’t hang onto your dog. If you are threatened by cattle - let it go as the cattle will chase the dog.
• Don’t put yourself at risk. Find another way round the cattle and rejoin the footpath as soon as possible
• Don’t panic or run! Most cattle will stop before they reach you. If they follow just walk on quietly.

Note to editors:

1. NFU members can obtain their free dog warning sign by contacting their local group office or by ringing NFU CallFirst on 0870 854 8548

2. Health & Safety Executive Cattle and public access - information and advice: http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/ais17ew.pdf  

3. Ramblers – “Walking close to cows: Do's and Don'ts”
http://www.ramblers.org.uk/news/latest_news/Cowsdosanddonts.htm  

4. The Countryside Code started life in the 1950s as the Country Code. This new version was launched in July 2004. The Countryside Code applies to all parts of the countryside. The Code, which applies in England and Wales, makes it clear what the responsibilities are for both the public and the people who manage the land.
http://www.countrysideaccess.gov.uk/things_to_know/countryside_code  

5. A copy of the sign is available from the NFU press office. 
 

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