COWS are by nature gentle, placid creatures and it is quite out of character for them to threaten, let alone actually harm anyone (Echo, June 20).

They do, however, take a very dim view of anyone with a dog entering a field where they are grazing.

That situation is guaranteed to turn ugly if there are calves present.

Indeed, to take a dog into a field where they are cattle with calves is asking for trouble. It is in fact the height of stupidity and irresponsibility.

So is J Wick’s advice to – in such circumstances – strike one or more of the cows on the nose with a “stout stick” (HAS, June 24). If anything could be guaranteed to make matters worse, that would be it.

There is only one safe rule where farm livestock are concerned: treat them with respect, especially if there are young animals – calves, lambs, foals etc – present.

Disregard that rule, especially if you have a dog with you, and you want your head examining.

Tony Kelly, Crook.