When you are out walking you will often come across grazing livestock. It is always a delight to seem them but here are a few tips when you are walking near the animals.
- When you go into a field check for livestock and observe how they react to you.
- Do not startle the animals. Let them know you are coming, perhaps by talking or whistling to them.
- As you walk by the animals remain quiet as the animals are more likely to ignore you.
- Livestock can become curious, excited or frightened when large groups pass through them so it is important for members of the group to remain calm and quiet.
- Never let yourself be cornered by cattle.
- Mothers are protective of their offspring – it is dangerous to move between them.
- Livestock are not pets. Do not offer them food as this will encourage them to approach other walkers.
- Opening rucksacks in front of them (e.g. to take out a camera) may be misinterpreted by the animals who think you have food.
- Clapping your hands can help move cattle if they are obstructing the way. If they don’t move divert round them.
- Cattle may see your dog as a threat and try and attack it.
- Keep your dog on its lead but if the cattle approach release your dog and let it join you later.
- The cattle will chase it and not you.
- Do not try and pick your dog up.
- Never allow your dog to chase the livestock. It distresses the animals and can cause injury. It may also be regarded as an offence in law.
- Remember to close gates behind you when you go through a field containing animals.