David Blunkett Charged By Cows - What Does The Scottish Outdoor Access Code Have To Say?
When cows charged David Blunket and his dog he was lucky to escape with just a broken rib.
Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code you have the right to enter a field of adult cows with your dog provided you do so in a responsible manner.
Of course the Code does not apply in England, where the incident happened, but Scottish cows are no more likely to respect your right to be in their field than those Mr Blunkett encountered.
But there is no reason to think that David Blunkett was acting irresponsibly, being blind and having total close control of his dog. And he did the right thing in letting go of his dog when he realised what was happening.
Clackmannanshire has cows and you might have reason to enter, with your dog, a field with them.
But be responsible and careful, and be aware that there is a risk that they will approach or even charge.
What The Scottish Outdoor Access Code Has To Say
The Scottish Outdoor Access Code gives specific advice on walking near cattle.
Cows can be inquisitive and come towards you. If you have a dog with you, cows may react aggressively. Some animals, such as bulls, may react aggressively to protect other animals in the field. (Section 3.29)
The following section, 3.30, including only those parts that relate to cattle, says,
Take care in exercising access rights in fields where there are farm animals by following this guidance:
before entering such a field, particularly if there are young animals present, take account of any signs (for example, official signs (approved by Government) about biosecurity measures) and, where possible, look for an appropriate alternative route in a neighbouring field or on adjacent land;
if there is a bull in the field, go into a neighbouring field or onto adjacent land;
if you go into a field where there are animals, keep to paths or tracks where they exist or keep well away from the animals;
keep a close eye on the animals and if they come towards you remember to keep calm and that it might be safest to leave the field at the first chance;
do not take a dog into a field where there are calves;
if you go into a field of cows with a dog, keep as far as possible from the animals and keep the dog on a short lead or under close control – if the cows react aggressively and move towards you, remember to keep calm and take the shortest, safest route out of the field, letting go of the dog if you believe that the animals may attack;
For further information See the Scottish Outdoor Access Code, Part 3, Exercising Access Rights Responsibly (pdf document) and the Outdoor Access Scotland Website.
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