Cows lose calves after suspected dog chase

The owners of cows at a protected nature reserve in South Yorkshire claim that a dog running loose could have resulted in two of their animals losing their calves.

The incident happened at Wogden Foot Nature Reserve, near Dunford Bridge, where rare breed Dexter cattle are used to manage vegetation and improve biodiversity.

Grazier Sam Sykes said a vet had confirmed two of the three cows had lost their calves, while a regular user of the nearby Trans Pennine Trail reported seeing three people and a dog inside the reserve.

Barnsley Council, which owns the site, said it was fenced off and there was no public access, and reminded dog owners that livestock worrying was a criminal offence.

Sykes said the cows were checked daily, and he had noticed a change in their behaviour a few weeks ago.

"I went down and the cows would not come near me," he said.

He said they were usually very "tame" and were used to his dog going in with him, but they became very agitated the following day and chased it.

A few days later, one cow "could barely walk" and had to be brought in for veterinary checks.

The vet examined the animals and found two of the three cows had lost their calves.

"We are absolutely devastated. We don't want to see our animals put through something like this and our main concern is their welfare," he said.

Sykes said the cattle were otherwise healthy and in good condition, with trauma the only likely explanation for the losses.

He and his wife Sue, who are both in their 70s and retired, have managed grazing animals at the reserve for more than 20 years.

The couple use rare miniature breed cattle and sheep to control scrub growth and encourage wildflowers and other plants to thrive.

However, he said the incident had left them considering whether it was safe to continue grazing cattle at the reserve.

Alongside the emotional impact, he said the loss of the calves would affect future breeding plans and he feared longer-term financial consequences.

He said dog owners should keep their pets under control around livestock.

"You should never be taking dogs off the lead around livestock or allowing them to get into fields with animals," he said.

A spokesperson for Barnsley Council said the reserve was "mainly grassland and scrubland".

"Cattle graze there to help look after the land," they said.

"Worrying livestock is a criminal offence, so dog owners must make sure their dogs do not chase or disturb cattle.

"Views of the site can be enjoyed safely from the Trans Pennine Trail."

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