Devonshire farmer fined after cattle trample dog walker

A Devonshire farmer has been fined nearly £7,000 after his cows attacked a dog walker on a public footpath.

The incident took place at Birdcage Farm, in Ottery St Mary, Devon in June last year, and left walker Patrick Atherton bloodied and bruised after cattle surrounded him while he was walking his border collie dog.

Calling it a “terrifying experience”, Mr Atherton explained how an Aberdeen Angus cow had barged him into a hedge before six other cows surrounded and trampled him.

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The court heard that there were no electric fences to separate the animals from the footpath, and no signs warning the public of the dangers of protective cows with calves.

Farmer John Hallett, who was suffering from sepsis at the time, apologised profusely, and said the incident was “devastating”. Electric fences were put up immediately following the incident. 

District Judge Stuart Smith heard that the footpath “was not well trodden” but that the animals could cause significant injury as they were “aggressive and overprotective of their young”.

Mr Hallett was subsequently fined £2,000 and ordered to pay £4,690 in costs, for a total of £6,690.