A Cork-based third-generation farmer has reminded the public to “never trust a bull” after falling victim to an attack on Monday morning last, June 5th, 2023.
Peter Twomey of Glenbrook Farm, who previously appeared on That’s Farming, has taken to his social media platforms to issue a word of warning to the farming community.
The dairy and pig farmer explained: “On Monday morning, I suffered an attack from a bull. I am very lucky. I just walked past the bull, and he just went straight for me.”
“But, there was no warning or anything. I would say that the heat might be an issue and the fact that a lot of cows are in-calve.”
“I just want to put a warning out there to everyone just to not trust a bull.”
“Children will be on holidays soon; please keep them away from cows where there is a bull.”
“Bulls are dangerous, but I am lucky – many are not. I am lucky that I just have a few broken ribs,” he concluded.
Twomey has been farming at home for the last 22 years, where he runs a dairy herd and outdoor pig unit, selling all outdoor reared pork produce under the Glenbrook Farm brand.
Bull safety advice
Following this timely warning, we are re-sharing our previously published advice from the HAS:
- You should ring all bulls when they are 10-months-old. Also, examine the ring regularly;
- From an early age, the bull should learn to associate the presence of people with feeding, grooming and exercise;
- Slaughter aggressive bulls;
- When grazing a bull with the herd, make maximum use of fields where the public does not have access;
- Any field in which you keep a bull should be securely fenced and gates safely secured and maintained;
- Fit a strong chain which touches the ground to a bull;
- A tractor or suitable farm vehicle should always be provided as a mobile sanctuary
- Young children should not be allowed into a field where a bull is running;
- Display a safety sign warning of a bull’s presence adjacent to public places, particularly at access points;
- A well-designed bullpen is essential for managing a bull when it is away from the herd. The design should allow the stockperson to feed and bed the bull without entering the pen;
- A bull pen should be where the bull can see other animals. On dairy farms, the HSA says, the pen should be located where the bull can see cows going to and from the parlour or paddocks.
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