Hundreds of New Forest cows to lose their horns after attacks on dog walkers
This is an interesting story not just because of the challenges these cattle present to walkers but in terms of the light they throw on that strange phenomenon “the commoner”. You’ll find these folks in a number of historic and often upland landscapes and they have a very long tradition stretching right back to the middle ages. The article tells us:
Hundreds of cows in the New Forest will have their horns removed following a series of attacks on dog walkers.
A rise in serious injuries to walkers in the last year, including the reported goring of an 86-year-old woman, has led to the move.
The New Forest Commoners Defence Association (CDA) has been forced to write a letter to the 200 people who are registered to turn cattle out to graze the forest to dehorn their stock.
Tony Hockley, chair of the CDA, said it was because people have “lost any respect” for the dangers of livestock.
Mr Hockey said: “People seem to have lost all connection with the countryside and any healthy respect for large livestock.