Mad? I Was Livid!

News from the Irish Independent that cows are becoming increasingly violent towards humans.


A LEADING west of Ireland vet has warned that cattle have become increasingly violent towards people, with one farmer killed recently in Mayo by a cow.

George O'Malley, whose practice is in Castlebar, Co Mayo, said the problem was particularly prevalent in Limousin cross-breeds that were introduced through artificial insemination some years ago.

Mr O'Malley said the difficulty was compounded by the fact that more and more farmers were only working on the land on a part-time basis.

"In cases of suckling herds, cattle don't have the same level of human contact as they used to, so when they are brought into crushes for testing, they can be extremely wild.

"I have noticed that many Limousin cross-cows are particularly difficult. I was attacked on three different occasions over the last year by this breed. I know of many farmers who had similar experiences. "In my view, it's a very serious health and safety issue that needs to be urgently addressed before fatalities occur."

A farmer in the north Mayo area died earlier this year after being attacked by a cow. An inquest into his death is due to be held in the near future.

"There are some seriously wild animals in cattle herds throughout the country," Mr O'Malley said.

"Some of the old crushes being used on farms should be upgraded so that farmers would not be put at risk from these cows. It is something that my profession is very concerned about at the present time."

Michael Biggins, Mayo IFA chairman, agreed that a problem existed and urged people to be cautious near cattle. "There are now more suckling herds and cattle are not being bucket-fed like they used to. As a result, cattle tend to be more nervous."