Farmer Fined After Cattle Attacks Leave Walkers Injured in Cornwall

In June 2024, a series of cattle attacks on the South West Coast Path in Cornwall resulted in serious injuries to walkers, prompting legal action against the responsible farmer, Beverley Chapman of Tembleath Farm, St. Columb Major. The most severe incident occurred on June 30, when 75-year-old Brian Gregory was attacked by a herd of cows while walking his dog, Molly. Gregory suffered multiple injuries, including a severed artery, and spent five days in the hospital.

Cattle attacks on South West Coast Path lead to £5,000 fine for farmerCornish farmer fined after cow attacksThe IndependentFalmouth Packet

During the attack, Gregory was trampled and butted by the herd after he released Molly's lead to protect her. Although the dog escaped unharmed, Gregory required surgery for his injuries. Following this incident, Chapman was informed but failed to remove the cattle from the public footpath. Instead, she added more cows and calves to the herd, some as young as 42 days old. A month later, two local residents were also attacked by the same herd but managed to avoid serious injury by sheltering in gorse bushes.

Cornish farmer fined after cow attacksCattle attacks on South West Coast Path lead to £5,000 fine for farmerThe IndependentFalmouth Packet

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that Chapman had kept the cattle in a field with a public right of way, posing a significant risk to walkers. The HSE found that safer alternatives were available, as Chapman had other enclosed fields without public access. On December 16, 2025, Chapman pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(2) of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. She was fined £5,260 and ordered to pay £4,650 in prosecution costs and a £2,000 court surcharge.

Cornish farmer fined after cow attacks

HSE inspector Simon Jones commented on the case, stating, “Cattle are extremely protective of their calves and even calm cattle can become aggressive if they think their calves may be threatened.” He emphasized that it was fortunate Gregory's injuries were not fatal and criticized Chapman for her inaction despite being warned about previous attacks. The HSE also reiterated the importance of following safety guidelines when keeping cattle in fields with public access.

Cattle attacks on South West Coast Path lead to £5,000 fine for farmerCornish farmer fined after cow attacksThe IndependentFalmouth Packet

Critics have pointed out that Chapman's failure to act after the initial attack reflects a disregard for public safety. The HSE's findings highlight the risks posed by keeping protective cattle in areas frequented by walkers, particularly when prior warnings are ignored. The case has raised concerns about the adequacy of safety measures in agricultural practices involving livestock near public paths.

Cattle attacks on South West Coast Path lead to £5,000 fine for farmer

The incidents involving cattle attacks in Cornwall underscore the need for stricter adherence to safety regulations by farmers. The legal repercussions faced by Beverley Chapman serve as a reminder of the responsibilities that come with livestock management, particularly in areas with public access. The HSE continues to advocate for better safety practices to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Cornish farmer fined after cow attacks