WALKERS are being warned to avoid going through fields containing livestock after an Eden woman was seriously injured by a herd of cows.

The advice is being issued by the Country Land and Business Association after Shirley McKaskie, 45, suffered serious head injuries when she was trampled by a herd of cows with calves in a field at Millrigg Farm, near Greystoke.

Mrs McKaskie underwent brain surgery at Newcastle General Hospital and remains in intensive care.

Sue Harrison, deputy regional director of the CLA, said: "Our advice is to avoid walking through fields containing livestock where possible. If there is an alternative route, please use it.

"Cows and calves are an intrinsic part of the landscape but can present dangers to the unwary and can be especially unpredictable if you are walking a dog.

"Cows weigh the best part of a ton and can easily outrun the average person. If they feel their calves are in danger from a dog they will use their speed and strength to defend them."

Mike Sanderson, of Appleby NFU, said: "Farmers deal with stock all the time but they know stock and never have any real problems incidents like this are very, very rare.

"But you can get a problem when people aren't used to dealing with farm animals, especially where dogs are involved. I would advise people walking with dogs to be very, very careful around livestock for the sake of the livestock and for their own safety.

"Calves are not dangerous in themselves but they are naturally inquisitive. People not used to them can interpret that as aggression and panic and get themselves into trouble."

May 28, 2003 09:30