THE Health and Safety Executive has issued a number of tips to the public and farmers to “reduce the risk” of cows injuring somebody.
The workplace regulator, which dishes out advice on a variety of things, is reminding farmers and walkers cattle can be “hazardous” when out on an Easter walk in the countryside.
An average of between one and two people are killed each year when using a footpath in the countryside, with others suffering serious injuries.
Advice to walkers includes keeping your dog on a lead when around livestock but also letting it off the lead if you feel threatened by said livestock.
The HSE also advised farmers to not put their dairy bulls in fields where the public is allowed and also to keep feed and water troughs away from public access areas.
It added farmers should install signs stating what can be seen in the field, such as cows.
HSE inspector Wayne Owen said: “All large animals can be a risk to people. Even a gentle knock from a cow can result in people being crushed or falling. All cattle should be treated with respect.”
“Farmers should carefully consider the risk before putting cattle into fields with footpaths.”
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