In-calf Highland cow killed in horrific dog attack

An in-calf Highland heifer just weeks away from calving has been killed in a horrific dog attack after a Rottweiler escaped from its home and savaged the cow in its field.

The dog ripped half the cow’s tongue out, tore strips from its jaw and savaged its back legs in the brutal attack on Saturday (9 January).

The Rottweiler was shot dead in the field after the incident at Quaker Bridge, near Brierfield in Lancashire.

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Devastated farmer Sarah Seed said she was hysterical after finding the cow, called Lexi, and seeing the extent of the injuries.

“She would have had a horrific death. The dog savaged her and she would have suffered and that is what I can’t get out my head,” Mrs Seed said.

A neighbouring farmer was called to shoot the dog which was in a frenzied state when Mrs Seed and her husband Jimmy arrived on the scene.

The couple have a herd of 30 Highland cows and Lexi was due to give birth to a bull calf on 28 January.

The owners of the Rottweiler live near the field and did not realise it had escaped.

Mrs Seed said: “The dog lunged at us and was being aggressive and we couldn’t get into the field. It kept following us so it had to be shot.

“The owners came and took it away and now we are waiting for prosecution. We are hobby farmers and have no insurance. We’ve been at this for just over seven years and have never had anything like this happen.”

The Highland herd is well known to the local community and Mrs Seed said she has been overwhelmed by the supportive messages, many of which have appeared on the BCS Highland cattle Facebook page.

“We have a good reputation for selling our Highlands and what we do with out Highlands, but this has made me realise how much they mean to the community up here.”