Nearly 40 people have died in the United Kingdom over the past decade due to incidents involving cattle, according to records from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Between 2016 and 2025, 38 fatalities were reported, alongside hundreds of injuries caused by cattle goring or trampling.

The data reveals that 21 of those killed were farm workers or farmers, while 17 were members of the public. Many of the latter group were walking dogs across fields or using public footpaths when the incidents occurred. In total, there were 716 reported injuries among farm workers and an additional 157 involving members of the public.

Among the fatalities is Rebecca Hitchings, a 59-year-old retired nurse who died after being trampled by a herd on Exmoor in October 2025 while walking her dog. Another case involved David Clark, also 59, a teacher from Richmond, North Yorkshire, who was crushed by cows with calves during a run along a public right of way in September 2020.

The HSE statistics highlight ongoing safety risks associated with cattle, both for those working directly with livestock and for individuals using rural areas for recreation. The incidents underscore the need for awareness and caution when encountering cattle, particularly in environments where public access and farming activities intersect.