An 83-year-old grandad was killed when he and his wife were attacked by cattle while walking through a farm.
David Tinniswood was on a dog walk in Chapel-Le–Dale, Carnforth, with his partner when they were charged at by the livestock in May, 2020.
An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that the couple had been walking with their two border terriers on a footpath that runs through Ivescar Farm, following a right of way that continues from the farm down to the road.
The couple were attacked by cattle that were grazing in the field with their calves, according to Lancs Live.
Tinniswood was trampled and sadly pronounced dead at the scene with his wife suffering serious injuries.
Christopher Paul Sharpe, partner in J H Sharp and Son, has now been sentenced after admitting health and safety breaches at Leeds Magistrates’ Court.
Sharpe of Ivescar Farm, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (2) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and was handed a 12 week prison sentence suspended for 12 months.
He was also fined a total of £878 and was ordered to pay £7820.30 in costs.
Speaking after the hearing, HSE inspector Julian Franklin said: “A number of measures could have been taken to safeguard walkers using the path, while cattle and calves were grazing in that field.
“Firstly, not using that field for cattle and calves. Most farmers will have other groups of stock that can graze fields containing rights of way, so can reduce the risk of incidents by putting sheep in them, or they could take fodder crops from them. Cattle with calves can be put in fields without rights of way, away from members of the public, or can be segregated from walkers.
“Farmers should ensure they take all reasonably practicable precautions to protect walkers on public rights of way, especially when they are grazing cows and calves together, or bulls are present.”
