Don't moo us down (From Stroud News and Journal)

Don't moo us down

MEASURES are being taken to stop cows being 'moo-ed' down after they were let lose on the commons on Tuesday.

The return of the cattle to the commons at Minchinhampton and Rodborough is a sure sign that summer is back but drivers are being reminded the cattle have priority on the roads.

Life-sized images of cows have been posted at the entrance to the commons with the safety message 'Moo-ve Slowly Across the Commons. Kill Your Speed - Not Us'.

And to give the cows added protection in the dark reflective strips have been tagged onto their ears.

Despite repeated reminders to drivers a small number of cows are still killed every year. Last year eight were killed after collisions on the roads.

The local community has been lent a speed gun and children at schools bordering the commons are to be given a fluffy cow toy with a safety message.

Cllr Stan Waddington, county councillor for the ward, said: "The grazing of cattle and horses is essential for the maintenance of the commons and, of course, represents someone's livelihood.

"I would urge all drivers to be especially careful this year, to keep well within the speed limit and be extra vigilant at night."

The traditional Marking Day when all the cattle were marked up on the commons before being released has been consigned to the history books.

The foot and mouth outbreak of 2001 put a stop to the tradition and it is unlikely to be revived.

"We do all the marking on the individual farms now which is actually a lot easier," said hayward Mark Dawkins.

Nearly 500 cows have been released on the commons along with a dozen horses. They will graze the commons until the end of October when they will be rounded up and returned to the farms.