Animal behaviourist Trudi Atkinson has issued advice to dog walkers about the signs to look out for when walking across fields where there are cows.

Mrs Atkinson, who lives in Bradford on Avon, is an Accredited Clinical Animal Behaviourist. She says that because young cattle can become panicky when they see people or dogs, people should avoid walking dogs in fields where there are cows with calves or young cattle.

“Do not assume that a field is safe just because it is a public footpath. It’s especially important that in any field with livestock, walkers keep their dog on a short lead and close by. However, if the cattle come close and appear threatened by the dog, let the dog off the lead,” she said.

“Dog walkers should not put themselves at danger by trying to protect their dog, because a dog will have more chance of getting away safely if it is off the lead.”