Trampled to death by a herd of cattle

The 49-year-old was killed by a herd of cattle on a bridleway on the Pennine Way in the Yorkshire Dales.

Police said the cows – some of which had calves – became aggressive at the sight of the walker’s dogs.

The first person on the scene was a holidaymaker from Lancashire, who was staying yards from the field, near Gaudy House Farm, outside Gayle, near Hawes.

He and his wife said they heard a strange bellowing sound.

The man, who declined to give his name, said: “At first we thought nothing of it, but then we realised that something was not right.

“I looked outside and saw a herd of cows crowded round one area of the field.

“I knew something was wrong so I went outside, picked up a wooden post, which was nearby, and went to the cows and shooed them away.

“Then I saw a woman on the ground, with her head bent at an unnatural angle.”

He called for an ambulance shortly before noon on Sunday.

Paramedics fought to save the woman’s life, but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The cows belong to farmer Thomas Iveson, of Gayle.

They were moved from the field yesterday morning at the direction of police.

A spokeswoman for the farming family said: “We’re very, very sorry. We don’t know what happened – it was out of our control.

“There’s thousands of walkers (use this route) and it’s never happened before.”

It is believed the woman, from Warrington, Cheshire, had been staying in a nearby holiday cottage.

Her dogs – a spaniel and a border collie – were unhurt.

They were yesterday being cared for by a dog warden.

The incident is being investigated by police and the Health and Safety Executive.

Sergeant Jerry Perrin, of Richmondshire police, said: “She had two dogs with her and we think the cows were scared by these and trampled her.

“It is a very tragic matter and has caused some shock in this little community.”

A spokeswoman for Yorkshire Ambulance Service said: “We received a call to reports that a female had been trampled by cows.

“An ambulance was sent and the Great North Air Ambulance also attended, although the patient was declared dead at the scene.”

Members of the rural community spoke of their shock and sadness at the death.

A woman who keeps horses in an adjacent field said: “I wish I had been there to help her, although I don’t know what I would have done.”

A farmer said: “It’s such a tragedy for those involved.

“Cows are more inquisitive than they are aggressive.

“They will come and have a look at what you’re doing, but it’s different if they have calves.”

Experts yesterday warned that livestock could be dangerous, especially if they are protecting young.

Rachael Gillbanks, spokeswoman for the National Farmers’ Union, said walkers with dogs should release their dog if they feel threatened.

“You don’t want to be trapped between the cows and your dog,” she said.

Police are not expected to release the woman’s identity until later today when her family have been contacted.

Earlier this month, former Home Secretary David Blunkett was injured by a charging cow in Derbyshire.

The incident happened while the Sheffield MP was out walking on his 62nd birthday with his guide dog Sadie in the Peak District.

Don’t run – stay calm

EXPERTS last night advised walkers on how to stay safe around livestock after a woman was trampled to death by cows.

Officials said the tragic incident should not put people off enjoying the region’s countryside.

However, visitors should be aware of the dangers, especially if they had dogs, they said.

Alan Hulme, ranger services manager for the Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority, said: “It is quite rare to have such a serious accident.

“There are things you can do to keep safe. If you can go around cattle then you should, especially if there’s a mother with a young calf.

“If you have any serious doubts then you should consider whether you need to go in the field.”

He added: “If you feel at all in danger, that’s the time to take action.

“If livestock is taking an interest then you should let your dog off the lead.”

Rachael Gillbanks, spokeswoman for the National Farmers’ Union, said: “People should not be put off coming into the countryside.

“Equally, they should be aware that livestock need to be approached with a degree of caution.”

She said cows were usually “docile”.

However, she added: “There are occasions, particularly if they have calves, when they feel threatened and dogs can be the catalyst.

“Get your dogs on a lead and try to go around them.

If they’re still taking an interest, you need to let your dog go. Dogs are pretty swift and can usually get themselves out of trouble.

“Don’t run, try to stay calm and head for the nearest exit.”