A terrifying ordeal unfolded for a man, Austin Glyn, who faced a life-threatening attack by 15 cows while out for a walk in Carmarthenshire. Glyn, a retired clergyman, was walking his dogs on a public footpath near the Wales Coast Path when he encountered a herd of cows blocking his way. Despite his efforts to keep a safe distance, the cows charged at him, knocking him over repeatedly. In a desperate move to survive, Glyn played dead until help arrived.
Glyn’s dogs barking drew the attention of a nearby worker who intervened and scared off the cows. He was then airlifted to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff by a Wales Air Ambulance. The brutal attack left Glyn with six broken ribs and extensive bruising. Following the incident, Glyn highlighted the lack of warning signs about the presence of cattle along the footpath, prompting an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
The HSE inspector acknowledged the need for clear signage at the path’s entrance to alert walkers of potential risks posed by cattle. However, upon revisiting the site, Glyn found that the recommended signage had not been erected. Despite the installation of some signs instructing walkers to keep dogs on leads and give cows space, Glyn stressed that even after following these guidelines, he was still violently attacked.
Expressing his ongoing trauma from the incident, Glyn emphasised the lack of awareness among walkers about the dangers posed by cattle, particularly on popular trails like the Wales Coast Path. He urged for better safety measures and warned that without significant changes, there could be more tragic incidents involving walkers, including children, in the future.
In response to Glyn’s concerns, the HSE principal inspector, Wayne Owen, reiterated farmers’ responsibility to minimize risks to the public from cattle. He advised that all large animals should be treated with caution and directed the public to follow safety guidelines outlined in the Countryside Code to enjoy outdoor activities responsibly. The Wales Coast Path and Carmarthenshire Council were called upon to address the safety issues raised by Glyn.
As Glyn continues to recover from the harrowing experience, his story serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers faced by walkers in rural areas and the critical need for enhanced safety measures to protect both the public and livestock. The incident underscores the importance of education and awareness regarding interactions with animals in outdoor spaces to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.