So we are going across a hill in a field near Nant Y Ffrith when a dozen large bullocks come running at us. We have the English bull terriers on leads with us. Do we run or do we stand our ground? The standard advice at the moment is to let your dog off the lead to fend for itself should there be trouble. As there also 20 sheep in the field this would be pure folly. One of ours would chase the bulls around then when he got tired attack a sheep or three. One has to be pragmatic. I see the dog's reactions when confronted by sheep that's why he is never allowed off the lead in sheep country or almost anywhere as his recall ability depends on what's happening.
So off we go across the hilltop running with dogs on leads with a dozen bullocks in chase 50 yards behind us. I see a chance to put some space between us and the bulls by going around a shallow ravine that can't be crossed. This is good enough to stop the bulls and they watch us walk away from the top of the hill. Last year there were atleast 5 people killed by cattle in UK. It would be fair however to say that the young cattle were just up for some fun, the dogs however have far more deadly intentions. A kick in head by a bull is not to be taken lightly, the dogs are however fearless
On a legal point a field with cattle and footpaths in is the responsibility of the farmer. Last year a farmer was found against where a woman was brain damaged by cattle when walking along a footpath.
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