Farmer victim of livestock dog attack gifted nine cows

A farmer whose heavily in-calf cow was chased to her death by dogs has received the fold of Highland cattle promised to him by a fellow farmer in the aftermath of the heartbreaking attack.

Cameron Farquharson’s treasured Highland cow, Gladis, broke her neck after falling to the bottom of a 30ft rampart on the farm at Eggardon Hill, in Dorset.

The devastated farmer and his family were overwhelmed by messages of support and offers of donations following the incident at the end of May.

See also: Farmer victim of livestock dog attack given Highland cows

But one phone call in particular, from fellow Scotsman Stan Sadler, took Mr Farquharson by complete surprise.

After more than 20 years living in Bournemouth with regular trips up north to help his uncle manage the farm in South Lanarkshire, Mr Sadler had decided to sell all his Highland cattle – and he realised he had found the perfect home for nine of them after speaking to Mr Farquharson and reading about his story.

The cattle arriving at their new home © Cameron Farquharson

He has gifted Mr Farquharson two heifers, three cows, three calves and a bull.

The livestock arrived on the farm earlier this month.

Despite one of the cows escaping and spending some time getting acquainted with the Dorset countryside, the animals have settled in well in their new home.

‘Incredible gesture’

“It was an incredible gesture and it brought our family to tears,” Mr Farquharson told Farmers Weekly.

“What is really nice is that I’ve got a new friend, he has been over a couple of times.

“Covid has made it hard for him to travel up and help his uncle but now he can come see the cows whenever he wants. He is helping me out on the farm and it is just brilliant.”

Mr Sadler, who works for the NHS on mental health programmes in Dorset, said it was a tough decision to cease involvement with the family farm, but knew straight away he could help Mr Farquharson, who he says is now a friend.

It turns out both men had grown up in the Scottish Borders before moving south.

Highland cow and calf from the fold © Cameron Farquharson

“I explained I had read the story and it had caused me great upset and I wanted to offer my support,” Mr Sadler said.

“It was a really difficult time for Cameron. I had a look on social media after our chat and read about him and I realised he was a pillar of the farming community in west Dorset, he was a good guy.

“What was quite a difficult period for me also, cutting my ties with farming in Scotland, it was a chance to help another farmer.

“What I have noticed from all of this has been a willingness from the farming community to help each other and do the right thing.”

Following Gladis’ death, Mr Farquharson set up a campaign for more effective livestock worrying laws in England.

He says it should be mandatory to keep dogs on a lead when walking near livestock.