Cows have emerged as one of Britain’s 'most dangerous' large animals with cattle accounting for 74 deaths in the past 15 years, according to U.K. Health and Safety Executive figures.
The figures given by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the animals, which can weigh more than a tonne, typically crush, butt or trample victims to death, with walkers targeted as they stroll on public footpaths through fields where cows are grazing. Eighteen of those killed were ramblers and 56 were farm workers.
Eighteen of those killed were ramblers and 56 were farm workers.
"Cattle have become Britain's most dangerous large animal, killing 74 people in the past 15 years," The Sunday Times reported citing HSE figures.
The HSE said cows were now more lethal than dogs, which accounted for 17 deaths between 2005 and 2013. As a result, the executive has issued new advice to farmers on how to raise cattle, including not holding cows in fields with public footpaths.
“As 70 per cent of these deaths involved either a bull or newly calved cow, activities with these...stocks should be very carefully planned,” a report from the HSE’s agriculture advisory committee said.
Cows that have gone on the attack when they felt under threat can repeat the tactic if similar circumstances arise again.
