What are your legal rights if you are attacked by a cow on a public footpath?
Being injured by livestock while using a public right of way is more common than many people realise — and when it happens, the consequences can be serious, both physically and psychologically.
Jasmine Moxey–Butler, The Cow Injury Lawyer, regularly acts for clients who have been injured in incidents involving cattle. One of her recent cases highlights the key legal issues that arise when a someone is attacked by a cow on a public footpath.
The incident: A cow attack on a public footpath
Our client, a keen walker, was using a public right of way near a reservoir when she encountered a herd of cows with calves present.
To avoid the herd, she and her companion moved away from the path. Despite taking precautions, a lone cow broke away from the herd and charged.
The animal knocked her companion to the ground and repeatedly trampled and kicked her. Our client acted bravely to distract the cow and help her friend to safety, but in doing so suffered injury herself while fleeing the scene.
Our client’s injuries
Physical Injury
Our client experienced a worsening of a pre-existing spinal condition, with increased pain and neurological symptoms following the incident.
Psychological Impact
More significantly, the incident had a lasting psychological effect. A clinical psychologist diagnosed:
- Specific phobia relating to cows
- Acute stress disorder
Following the cow attack, our client experienced:
- Intrusive thoughts and nightmares
- Anxiety and avoidance of cows
- Reduced confidence outdoors
- A more restricted lifestyle
She remained anxious when encountering cattle and now alters her walking routes to avoid them.
Why do cow attacks happen?
From a legal perspective, certain risk factors are well recognised, including:
- Cows with calves present
- Walkers with dogs nearby
- Poor separation between livestock and public access routes
In this case, all of these risk factors were present at the time of the incident.
Who is legally responsible for a cow attack?
Farmers and landowners owe clear legal duties to people using public rights of way.
These duties arise under:
- The Animals Act 1971
- The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957
In simple terms, livestock owners may be legally responsible where:
- Animals behave in a way that is likely to cause injury, and
- The owner knew or ought to have known about that risk
In cattle cases, the law recognises that cows — particularly when protective of calves — can behave unpredictably and aggressively.
Owners must therefore take reasonable steps to reduce risk, such as:
- Placing cattle in appropriate fields
- Keeping livestock away from heavily used footpaths where possible
- Installing adequate fencing or barriers
- Displaying clear warning signage
In this case, there were allegations that no warning signs were in place and that the cattle had been placed in a field crossed by a public right of way despite foreseeable risks.
Can you make a compensation claim if you have been attacked by a cow?
Every case turns on its own facts, but you may have a legal claim if:
- You were injured by cattle
- The incident occurred on land accessible to the public
- The livestock owner failed to take reasonable safety precautions
Even where you were aware of the presence of cows, that does not automatically prevent a claim — particularly where the risk was not properly managed.
Contact The Cow Injury Lawyer for a free consultation
Cow attacks can be frightening, life-changing events — and not every lawyer understands how to handle these claims properly.
Jasmine, The Cow Injury Lawyer, is an experienced partner at our firm, specialising in cattle injury cases. She knows exactly what evidence is needed to prove liability and secure compensation.
So, if you’ve been injured by a cow, don’t feel you need to navigate the process alone. Email or call us to arrange a free consultation. We’ll review your case, advise you on your next steps, and consider whether we can work on a No Win, No Fee basis — clearly, quickly, and without obligation.
Call: 0333 888 0404 or
Email: [email protected]
