Don't Get Rattled By Cattle...

The Peak Park Authority is asking walkers to take extra care on farmland during late spring and early summer.

Jenny Waller, Senior Ranger for the National Park Authority, said, "Late spring is an important time in the Peak District. Wildlife is breeding and it is lambing and calving time on farms as well. If bullocks or cows with young feel threatened by dogs they could charge and trample both pet and owner.

"We're asking people to take extra care over the next few weeks and, in particular, asking dog owners to take special care when walking their pets through fields with livestock. Cattle especially can be inquisitive about dogs - which can lead to problems."

Virtually all incidents where walkers have been injured or killed after being trampled by cattle have involved a dog. So what's the best course of action other keeping your dog under close control?

"If you are chased by livestock," says Jenny. "The best advice is to get out of the field as quickly as possible, let the dog fend for itself - a dog can easily out run a cow - but call it to you as soon as you are out of danger."

We'd add that you should take care not to come between a calf and its mother and don't panic if young bullocks seem to be taking a close interest in you. Generally they're just being inquisitive and are as wary of you as you are of them...

Unfortunately the same can't be said of the hyena-like sheep which frequent Kinder Downfall...