Beware of bulls Audlem walkers warned

Walkers around Audlem face having their walks cut short by 'Bull in Field' warning signs.

This photograph for example, sent in by a local walker, is of a warning sign nailed to a stile on a public footpath on the outskirts of Audlem.

Recent Chatbox posts have also expressed alarm at the number of bulls in local fields that have public footpaths going across them.

Farmers should be aware that it is an offence under Section 59 of the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 to keep bulls in fields crossed by a right of way.

There are exceptions if the bull is aged under of 10 months or if it is not a dairy breed bull provided it is in the field with cows or heifers.

Recognised dairy cattle breeds are Ayrshire, British Friesian, British Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry.

Local farmers could well be within the law when putting beef breeds like Hereford or Aberdeen Angus bulls in fields but they could still face serious problems if a walker suffers injury from any bull while using a public right of way.

A farmer in Nottinghamshire currently faces trial for gross negligence manslaughter over the death of a walker who was killed by a bull on a public footpath across his land.

In practice, it may be difficult to know whether a bull is likely to be dangerous or not, and farmers are asked, wherever possible, not to keep any bulls in fields crossed by rights of way.

The Ramblers' Association gives the following helpful advice to walkers but emphasise that most attacks occur when dogs are present or when cows are defending their calves.

• Where possible, walk quietly around cattle and do not split up a clustered group.
• If you have a dog, keep it under close control
• Do not hang on to a dog should a bull or cow start acting aggressively.
• Cattle usually stop before reaching you. If they do not, carry on quietly and do not run.
• Should a bull or cow come up very closely, turn round to face it. If necessary take a couple of steps towards it, waving your arms and shouting firmly.
• Above all, do not put yourself at risk. If you feel threatened, find another way round, returning to the original path as soon as is possible.
• Remember to close gates behind you when walking through fields containing livestock.
• If you are attacked or suffer a frightening incident, report this to the landowner and the highway authority, and also the HSE and police if it is of a serious nature.

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