With more people than ever visiting the countryside, it has never been more important for farmers to check that their public liability insurance is up-to-date in case a member of the public gets injured by livestock while crossing their land.
It used to be very rare for a member of the public to be killed by cattle, with only four fatalities between 2015 and 2020 according to HSE’s annual statistics. However, in the last two years there have been frequent reports during the spring and summer of people being attacked and trampled by cattle while out walking. The HSE’s 2020-2021 annual statistics back this up, as they reported four members of the public being killed by cattle in just one year.
Members of the public killed or injured by cows, are almost always walking on public footpaths or commonly used rights of way when they are attacked according to the HSE, and are very often accompanied by dogs. More often than not, calves are involved, with cows protecting their young.
The HSE provides guidance for any farmer keeping cattle (including bulls and newly calved cows) in fields where the public have access, and suggest reasonably practicable ways to reduce the risk of harm to members of the public. Cattle and public access in England and Wales (hse.gov.uk)
Damage caused by cows
A farmer will also be liable for any damage caused by their animals to the land or any property on the land, e.g., the cost of reinstating a garden damaged by a cow. They will also be liable for any reasonable expenses incurred by the owner / occupier of the land onto which the animal has trespassed.
With this in mind, it is worth checking the details of your current public liability policy to ensure that it is appropriate and proportionate to the operation of your current agricultural needs.
