The call comes in the wake of several fatalities involving walkers being trampled by cows, while incidents of sheep worrying are on the rise with the NFU Mutual reporting more than 200 separate cases last year; an increase of six per cent on the previous year.
The NFU is setting out simple do’s and don’ts for members of the public as part of its successful Love your Countryside campaign, with advice and guidance on how to keep people and livestock safe.
NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe said it was important that dogs were kept under control.
“Spring is a lovely time to go walking with your dog in the countryside, but it is also a time to be aware of your surroundings,” said Mr Sercombe. “This is a working environment so please be sympathetic especially to those animals rearing their young and give them space.
“When walking with dogs in fields with livestock, the advice is to keep your dog close and under effective control on a lead and not to hang onto your dog if you feel threatened – let it go as the animals will chase the dog, allowing you to stay out of harm’s way. Dogs usually run faster than livestock and this allows the dog to get to safety.
Mr Sercombe said: “This is a real issue, especially for those farms which attract dozens of walkers on a daily basis walking their dogs and who don’t clean up after them. Dogs are a primary host for the parasite and while
cattle infection can circulate within a herd via vertical transmission, naïve cattle grazing on pastures contaminated by infected dog faeces can become susceptible. Just one incident of a cow eating some of the parasite eggs can have a huge impact on a whole herd.
“This is about better information for the public - dog owners must be made aware of the problems that occ
ur. Those using agricultural land to exercise their dogs should do so responsibly and clean up after their animals to avoid the spread of this disease in livestock.”
More information on the NFU’s Love your Countryside campaign can be found here.
Notes to editors:
- There are spokespeople available to talk about the campaign on request. Please call the press office on 024 7685 8686.
- Advice when out walking your dog in the countryside:-
Do
• Stop, Look and Listen on entering a field and as you walk through be particularly aware of cows with calves, bulls, and rams.
• Take the best route – keep to paths where possible but give livestock plenty of space. Try to avoid getting between cows and their calves.
• Be prepared for cattle to react to your presence, especially if you have a dog with you.
• Move quickly, quietly and calmly, and if possible walk around the herd.
• Keep your dog close and under effective control on a short lead around cows and sheep.
Don’t
• Don’t hang onto your dog. If you are threatened by cattle - let it go as to allow the dog to run to safety.
• Don’t put yourself at risk. Find another way round the cattle and re-join 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.