A WALKER has warned “someone could be badly hurt or killed” after a cow attack near Ringwood.

The victim, who does not have a dog, was walking in South Gorley when they were charged by a cow in Ringwood Road.

In a post on Facebook, the walker said: “I just want to inform you that I was attacked by a dark brown (ruby) cow while walking along Ringwood Road, South Gorley on Saturday, May 25.

“This was a completely unprovoked attack.

“I was walking on the other side of the road, I did not have a dog, there were no calves in this herd.

“There are about eight in this herd, two of which have horns that point downwards.

“They are all the same colour, I think called ruby reds.

“The cow charged me twice, once hitting me in the stomach. The other animals then started coming towards me.

“This animal was intent on doing me some harm and, had a passing motorist not come to my assistance, I feel I could have been killed.

“Please could you put out a warning for others to avoid this group of animals.

“I fear, with all the tourists walking and cycling, that there is a real possibility that someone is going to get seriously hurt or killed.”

Cow attacks are rare but can be dangerous.

Representatives from Britain’s largest walkers’ rights organisation, Ramblers, say pedestrians should ‘stop, look and listen’ when walking into a cattle field.

“Look out for any animals and watch how they are behaving, particularly bulls or cows with calves,” the spokesperson said.

“Try to avoid getting between cows and their calves. Be prepared for cattle to react to your presence, especially if you have a dog with you.”

“Move quickly and quietly, and if possible, walk around the herd.”

“Frightening incidents” should be reported to the landowner, the highway authority, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and the police if serious.