A Devon farmer has been cleared of failing to meet his legal duties after a couple was injured by cows in a field with a public right of way.
A Devon farmer has been cleared of failing to meet his legal duties after a couple was injured by cows in a field with a public right of way.
The incident occurred in May 2021 when Sharon and Huw Williams were walking their two dogs on leads through a field near Beer, Devon. The field, part of farmer Richard Dormor's land, was home to 40 cows, some with calves at the time.
Exeter Crown Court heard that as the couple crossed the field, a large brown cow charged at Mr. Williams. He managed to halt the animal by raising his arms, but moments later, 10 other cows charged at Mrs. Williams. She was knocked to the ground and trampled, sustaining injuries.
The case centered on whether Dormor had failed to ensure the safety of people using the public footpath across his land. The prosecution argued that the presence of calves could have increased the risk of aggressive behavior by the cows, but Dormor denied any negligence.
Dormor's barrister described the incident as an "unfortunate accident," emphasizing that the farmer had taken reasonable precautions and could not be held responsible for the animals’ behavior.
The jury ultimately agreed, clearing Dormor of all charges. The case highlights the ongoing tension between public access to farmland and the unpredictability of livestock.
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