Cows bloody cows

[Deadlegs]

12 deaths by cow a year and people are scared of walking through fields. 3000 road traffic deaths a year but everyone is fine with driving

(You can prove anything with statistics)

Well said that man.

[Flopsy]

Well said that man.

You can't compare those stats as less people walk through fields, less often, than drive cars

[Brotherton Lad]

True Flopsy, best ask an actuary for two insurance quotes, one to insure yourself against death by car and another against death by cow (actually fine tune this one for with and without dog). That should give you a feel for the relative risks involved.

[Stolly]

You can't compare those stats as less people walk through fields, less often, than drive cars

Honestly flopsy in the summer I run through fields with cows (and bulls) in all the time. And nowadays thats with my dog (who's a right cow scaredy pants). Yes I do have run ins with the odd cow or two but meet them on the front foot, clap and wave your hands and "Yaaaaaarrrgh" at them and they back off. They're are protective of calves so go round a herd rather than through it given the choice. If they start walking towards you, walk towards them (not away) and loudly tell them to bugger off - that seems to work for me. I tend not to run when I'm going through a herd but walk and chat to the cows as I go through - my dog on the other hand runs a huge, often massive loop around them so I might just follow him instead.

[Flopsy]

I don't run with the dog as he has medical problems but as a general rule of thumb I would do exactly what you say.

But on the one occasion things got way out of control none of it made any difference.

It just goes to show how one experience can be so traumatising that it changes your outlook on things. Like a switch in the brain I guess.

Personally I still think that there have been enough instances of aggression with cows that farmers should be forced to take a more responsible attitude. Currently they only have to take more precautions with a solitary bull. It wouldn't have that great an impact on what they do to take measures to protect other land users. A moveable battery powered electric fence in fields where there are young'uns, that's all. I don't think that's a lot to ask to save lives and stop instancs of aggression.

[hightops]

Poor man http://www.telegraph.co.uk/earth/cou...y-injured.html

[Tussockface]

Most of those killed by cows are farmers and vets. 12 deaths by cow a year is much less than the 50 a year killed whilst gardening.

However, nobody is killed by a cow whilst gardening. So, my cunning plan is: if approached by a herd of irate-looking cows, simply start gardening. Statistically, you'll be safe.

[Brotherton Lad]

However, nobody is killed by a cow whilst gardening. So, my cunning plan is: if approached by a herd of irate-looking cows, simply start gardening. Statistically, you'll be safe.

There's always a first time, tf, but what a way to go.

[Deadlegs]

This reminds me of a teacher who (in the 70s) told our class that the best way to avoid being on a plane on which a terrorist had planted a bomb was to take one on yourself. What are the chances of being on a plane with two bombs!

[Brotherton Lad]

This reminds me of a teacher who (in the 70s) told our class that the best way to avoid being on a plane on which a terrorist had planted a bomb was to take one on yourself. What are the chances of being on a plane with two bombs!

I hope he wasn't a maths teacher. If you always take one on yourself, the risk would be the same (assuming you're not planning on detonating yours).