Dorset farmer calls for new law after tragic death of Highland cow
Gladis' Law would stop dog owners letting pets off the lead near livestock
A Dorset farmer is calling for a new law to protect livestock after the death of one of his Highland cows, days before she was due to give birth.
Gladis' law would ban dog owners from letting their pets off the lead in fields with livestock.
Gladis fell 30ft to her death in May after it's believed two dogs were let loose at Eggardon Hill.
Cameron Farquharson says the loss has been felt by his whole family, many of his children grew up with the cow.
"We've had this animal since she was one year old, my youngest daughter has grown up with this animal.
"Money doesn't really replace her."
He's calling on other farmers to come forward and tell their story as part of a survey and petition to campaign for a change in the law.
The incident wasn’t reported at the time and Gladis wasn’t found until the next day. The discovery was incredibly distressing for Cameron and his family.
Cameron continued: “Had I been informed at the time, Gladis might not have languished all night in serious injury, pain and distress, and we might have been able to save her and her unborn calf."
“Sadly, this is not an isolated case. Farmers are not feeling supported by the government or the police on these matters and until they are, they’ll keep on happening. If we report these incidents to the police, they can investigate, and the figures will get added to the stats, but there’s not often a resolution, especially when the owners haven’t come forward.”
You can find out more and sign the petition here.