I walk my dogs across Kings Marsh meadow at least once a day. Normally the cattle take little notice of us, and my dog is always on the lead when near them, but today was different. Suddenly the cattle seemed to take notice of us and, without warning, they began charging towards us.

Thirty or so bullocks, many with horns, at full gallop in my direction was quite unnerving. Having been brought up on a farm with cattle I had a rough idea what to do and stood my ground. There was also (luckily) a big stick nearby, which I picked up and waved in the air. I shouted at the animals and they stopped their stampede, so I was able to retreat to the gate and reach safety.

Having walked dogs across these meadows for more than 38 years I have never came across such aggressive beasts before.

What really worries me is that I wonder how women and children would have coped in this situation. I have often taken my three-year-old granddaughter into these fields and don't know what would have happened if she had have been with me at this time, as well as the dog. I will not take her again.

The owner of these cattle Mr Coleman was on TV the other night, stating that the meadows would be lost without the cattle on them, and that they would turn to scrubland if they were not there.

Perhaps to overcome this, maybe the grass could be cut throughout the spring/summer growing time and used for hay. Another suggestion would be to fence off sections of the meadows to enclose the cattle and leave safer areas for the public to enjoy. I am under the impression that these meadows are common land for public use. Am I wrong?

I know a few people who dare not enter the meadows when cattle are grazing. After my experience I do not blame them. It is only a matter of time until someone get seriously injured by them.
Let's hope not!

Keith Theobald
Brundon Lane
Sudbury

We received the following comment...

Keith Theobald, being a country boy, should know that young bullocks and heiffers are a bit like a gang of children and will often charge off in their gang to satisfy their curiosity in terms of invesigating people or dogs.

Ninety nine times out of a hundred they will come to a stop about six or seven yards away at a safe distance (safe for them) and just stand and stare to satisfy their curiosity.

Farmer John McG.