THE near encounter with a cow on Mary Tavy common, as described by Jane Gibson in her letter could and should have been avoided.
The remedy is to walk around a group of cattle instead of in amongst them. Cattle become uneasy when their herd space is intruded upon, and become anxious in the presence of a dog: a dog will rouse the maternal instincts of a cow and so should be kept well away from any calves.
Walkers have the freedom of Mary Tavy common as we have on all common land on Dartmoor, but the Commoners' Association are concerned that dogs should be kept close and livestock respected.
Cattle have now been brought into farms for the winter, but when they return next spring I hope that all will be happy to view these splendid beasts from a safe distance.
George Swayne
Secretary
Mary Tavy Commoners' Association