How can walkers and farmers avoid livestock dangers this summer?
Published: 6:50 AM July 2, 2021  Walkers and farmers have both been urged to take steps to ensure the safety of people and farm animals this summer - Credit: Sonya Duncan  Ramblers and farmers must take steps to ensure the safety of people and livestock during an expected surge of countryside visitors this summer, warned insurance experts. The trend towards more countryside walking looks set to continue after lockdown. Government figures show that by last summer, 39pc of people were walking more than before the pandemic struck  with 94pc claiming they would continue once travel restrictions were removed. Anderson Fossett, of rural insurance broker Lycetts in Fakenham, said that means both farmers and the public should be vigilant to ensure lives and livelihoods are not jeopardised. Anderson Fossett, of rural insurance broker Lycetts in Fakenham - Credit: Lycetts  He urged walkers to follow the recently-updated Countryside Code, particularly as animals are now being sent out to pasture with their young, and for farmers to take precautions to keep the public and livestock separate and safe. He said: Its important for people to remember that much of the countryside is working land and that their actions impact the lives and livelihoods of others  along with their own safety. You may also want to watch:  As well as being courteous to those who farm the local land, it is important to be fully aware of the risks that come with visiting the countryside. Even the most placid farm animals can become dangerous when they are stressed, with adverse weather, illness, disturbance, or maternal instincts just some of the triggers. Farmers understand and recognise signs of stress  but many members of the public dont. Sadly, every year people are seriously and fatally injured by livestock and walkers should never underestimate these animals, particularly at this time of year, when cattle have calves at foot and protective maternal instincts are at play. When journeying to the countryside, use maps to plan ahead and read signs to help find your way and ensure you dont trespass or enter fields where at-risk livestock are present. Stay on marked paths where possible and use gates, stiles or gaps in field boundaries. Always remember to leave gates as you find them. Do not interfere with livestock and give them plenty of space. Finally, do not let dogs off the leash where livestock is present and keep them away from animals at all times. Should you ever find yourself in the unfortunate situation where you and your dog are surrounded by cattle  particularly if they are with their young  and you sense danger, this is the only time you should let go of your dog. Though it is instinctual to protect your dog by holding it close, the livestock will likely be more interested in your pet and chase it, diverting the danger.  Over the past five years, 24 people were killed by cattle and other agricultural animals, including members of public, according to the Health and Safety Executive. While walkers should take care, Mr Fossett said it is equally important farmers take precautionary steps to prevent the public from accessing livestock areas. Farmers who keep livestock in fields crossed by public rights of way may face prosecution if walkers are injured by their livestock and negligence is proved, he added. Flouting health and safety rules and inadequate risk management is a threat to public safety and could put the viability of a farmers business in jeopardy, he said. Being vigilant will help keep walkers safe and may reduce farmers liability, should an incident occur. Wherever possible, farmers should keep cattle in fields that do not have public access, especially when cattle are calving or have calves at foot and during periods of high footfall. When it comes to bulls, certain breeds, for example Ayrshire, Friesian, Holstein, Dairy Shorthorn, Guernsey, Jersey and Kerry, are in all circumstances banned from being at large in fields crossed by public rights of way. Beef bulls are banned from fields with footpaths unless accompanied by cows or heifers. For bull breeds that are permitted, consider the animals temperament and keep an eye on its demeanour. Remove it from the field if its behaviour begins to give cause for concern. Perimeters should be well-maintained, and farmers should erect appropriate signage which is informative, accurate and in clear view of the public when animals are present  but take care not to avoid misleading signs which deter the public from exercising their right of responsible access, as these are likely to be regarded as obstruction. Finally, farmers should bear in mind that previously quiet rights of way may have become more populated, so reviewing safety procedures and signage in light of the current circumstances is a must.