The man was walking his two dogs and had managed to escape a first stampede of cows and their calves – but died after re-entering the field to rescue one of the dogs.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has re-issued guidance after a dog walker died when being trampled by cattle.
The man, 67, was walking his two dogs and had managed to escape a first stampede of cows and their calves – but died after re-entering the field to rescue one of the dogs.
He was named locally as John McNamara.
A Sussex Police spokesperson said: “The man who was found dead in a field in farmland in Priory Road, Forest Row at 1.45pm on Monday October 8 has been identified as John McNamara, 67, of Priory Road, Forest Row.
“The circumstances are being investigated and the coroner’s officer is dealing with the deaths.”
The HSE issued initial notification this morning (January 17) with a reminder to farmers and walkers that cattle related incidents are one of the top causes of death and serious injury on farms.
It said farmers should consider ways to keep cows and young calves segregated from rights of way with physical means such as temporary fencing, with ‘flighty’ animals kept in fields with no public access.
Signs should also be displayed when bulls are present, it added.
The notification came alongside another of a farmer who died when he fell through a fragile roof.
Details are so far limited but the incident took place on January 10 in Aberdeenshire.
The farmer was thought to be in his late 60s.
Falling from height is another major contributor to farm fatalities and the HSE reiterated that where possible, farmers should work from underneath the roof, using a suitable platform, or via a mobile elevating platform which allows the worker to work from the basket without having to stand on the roof.
If not possible, workers should work alongside fully trained people with specialist equipment.