clipped from: news.bbc.co.uk A fortnight ago a cow left David Blunkett with a black eye and cracked rib. Now a vet walking her dogs has been trampled to death by cattle. Why?
With its limpid eyes and slow gait, the cow is generally a placid creature. But once this gentle giant - typically weighing about 1,000lb (450kg) - has a calf to protect, it's best to steer clear.
Liz Crowsley, a vet, has been trampled to death by a herd of cattle while walking the Pennine Way with her two dogs. And a fortnight ago, a cow left David Blunkett with a black eye and a cracked rib. Also on a walking holiday, the former home secretary was accompanied by his guide dog Sadie.
In both cases, the cows are thought to have been trying to drive off the dogs in order to protect their young.
While such attacks are rare, Health and Safety Executive figures show that 18 people - excluding Ms Crowsley - have been killed and 481 injured by cows in the past eight years.