In our series of viewpoints from African journalists, Ghanaian Elizabeth Ohene considers labels, hoaxes and Obamania.

This past week, like everybody else on the globe, I have been glued to the television screens

watching the agony of the Haitians.

I have heard over and over again that Haiti is the poorest country in the Western hemisphere and as the rhetoric has expanded, I have even heard Haiti was THE poorest country in the world.

Now I don’t know what the truth is about these claims; I have never been to Haiti and I have deep scepticism about terminology like GDP and the like.

One thing I do know is that there does not seem to be any evidence to contradict any of these claims about the level of poverty in Haiti when you watch the apocalyptic scenes on television.

An earthquake of that magnitude would cause chaos and devastation if it occurred anywhere in the world.

But surely it is a bit over the top to have an earthquake in which the archbishop gets killed, the head of the United Nations office gets killed and the presidential palace collapses.

Blaming voodoo

Pat Robertson the American televangelist is reported to have put it all to the wrath of God who has shown his anger on the

"devil-worshipping" Haitians.

The Haitian consul to Sao Paulo, who happens to be white, was a touch more graphic. He told a Brazilian TV crew that people of African origin were cursed.

"I think it has to do with messing so much with voodoo," he said.

In the midst of it all, my compatriots decided to demonstrate to the whole world that everybody might have mobile phones in Ghana but we remain a scientifically illiterate country when a nationwide panic was generated through text messages claiming that

an earthquake was about to hit Ghana.

My suspicion is that the hoax was induced by a desperate attempt to get Ghana into the headlines when we had

lost a football match to Didier Drogba.

Or we were probably hoping that President Barack Obama would make a speech praising Ghana’s democracy.

We couldn’t allow Haiti to usurp Ghana’s position as the favoured African/black country.

Black or white?

It is of course the

anniversary of Barack Obama’s inauguration as US president

and many on this continent are getting anxious that Africa has not featured high on his agenda.

It is worth pointing out again for the umpteenth time that Barack Obama was elected by Americans as their president and his success or failure as president will be measured by how well Americans fare under his watch.

And it seems to me that he will have a difficult time for as long as Africa continues to claim him as its own.

I blame the results of the

vote in Massachusetts

on the Haitian earthquake.

Every time another Haitian comes on the TV, some in the US probably see the face of the man in the White House.

If we want Mr Obama to be a successful president, Africa should resolve that the images of the continent will not be of wars, hunger, malnourished children and political chaos.

And we should stop claiming him as an African.

If I were his white mother I would be outraged every time someone referred to him as black.

Thanks for your comments. Please read a selection below:

Africans need black (African or African American) people to aspire to, I’m a young African and all you tend to here about black is negative if we get a chance to promote some black positivity we should grab it Obama is black, I don’t think he will solve Africa’s problems but he inspires me to reach the very top.Eric Malebe, Johannesburg, South Africa

No African or Ghanaian is saying that Obama is the answer to our problems. We just feel honoured that someone with an African background has worked had to earn such an enviable position who is also a source of inspiration to all groups of people who think such achievement is not possible. Secondly it is very wrong for Elizabeth to attempt to discuss scientific literacy or otherwise. How many well resourced science labs do we have in our universities for those who claim to be scientist in Ghana. I do not even want to talk about science labs for the high schools. Just for the record you do not have to be literate to use a mobile phone. norsi bankas, ghana, ho

When someone is famous, people generally like to claim some kind of connection to them. But Obama’s presidency should not be reduced to an issue of race, as he has already outlined the challenges of his mixed heritage in his books. He also states his identity, so another person shouldn’t presume to do so for him in a manner that could be offensive to some people with mixed heritage.Doreen, Uganda

I really find it amusing that Elizabeth, a senior colleague, can say that "we should stop claiming him as an African." Yes, Barack Obama is the president of the United States and there is absolutely no doubt that his primary duty is to protect the interests of the American people that elected him to the Oval Office. But he is AFRICAN as well, even though it does not appears politically convenient to point this out to the American people. He is a Kenyan national, as well as being American. The last time I checked he has not renounced his Kenyan citizenship, which came through his father (the fact that he does not carry a Kenyan passport does not take this nationality away from him).

And he acknowledged the fact that he is Luo, (please read "Dreams From My Father") notwithstanding the fact that he has only visited Kenya and never lived there. Does Elisabeth or anyone else have concrete proof to contradict this? We need to get our facts right, even though I agree that Africa should not expect miracles or a great deal of attention from a man elected to solve the problems of Americans AND NOT AFRICANS. It is obvious that the Middle East and certainly Afghanistan/Pakistan, are more of a worry for Obama than Africa. I would like to think that he would help Africa, if only for the stark fact that he is tied to Africa by blood. But perhaps in this case, blood may not be thicker than water…Osasu Obayiuwana, Associate Editor, NewAfrican magazine, Lagos, Nigeria/London, England

I disagree with your views on the Democratic Party’s failure to obtain the Massachusetts senate seat. The failure has much less to do with an unconscious connection between Haiti and our black president than an initiative by the people of Massachusetts to send a message that policies must be accounted for and progress must be obtained. Another frustrating comment that you seem too willing to assume is that by having a black heritage, Mr. Obama is African. I suggest that President Obama is wholly American. Although his ethnicity presents itself inevitably from his African ancestry, it seems somewhat incoherent to suggest that his image as President of the United States is reflective of his ethnic heritage and "tie" to the African subcontinent. As many Africans well know, their skin colour doesn’t reflect their nationality. If I were his mother, I would be proud of my son. By suggesting that she should be frustrated if anyone called him black, you seem to eager and perhaps unconsciously call upon several issues unrelated to the presidency, Haiti, and the United States all together.Peter, Columbia, USA

Elizabeth is right in her analysis. The blackman is not cursed as Moses who liberated the Jews was black. Kwame Nkurumah was not cursed. Africa, like any other continent produced good son and daughters, and like any other continent produced bad children too. I sympathise with ObamaM.K.Cham, SUKUTA, THE GAMBIA

I believe that Obama represents hope, aspiration and the future for the human race. He is an African-American. As an African living in Britain, Obama brings respectability to the black race through what he has done and continues to do. I know the Americans whether black or white agree that there is a bright future for everyone. May God guide, protect and lead Obama’s path. Tom, London, UK

By the way, how is Obama’s US Presidency helping Africa? Former President Clinton was involve and is still involve with the development through his foundation. President G.W. Bush is known for education, health, and chasing dictators like Charles Taylor from Africa. Former President Carter will be remembered for good governance and health. What has Obama done or what can he do? Even his John McCain has worked or is working to help immigrants. I am sick and tire of hearing this Obama’s blackness or African thing. Africans please try for yourself and leave "poor" Obama alone. Boima Gbelly, North Providence, RI. USA

Genetically Obama is of mixed heritage, phenotypically he is black. And also politically he is black. And no this was not a paradigm made up by Africans. Check the history books, read, learn and you will grow. People have the right to refer to Obama as black. I am amazed why some educated people are puzzled why a mixed race should be referred to as black. @Rasheed, my fellow countryman. I don’t know anyone who is sitting down waiting for Obama to rescue them. And there is nothing wrong with clinching onto the aspirations he represents to better yourself. In fact, the messianic view of Obama is shared worldwide not just by Africans. The author of this piece manages to mix several complicated issues into one. There is no direct correlation between success in Africa and Obama’s presidency. And everyone can claim Obama if they so desire.

Christian Johnson, Beds, UK

Elizabeth, I understand your argument – to an extent – I for one refuse to call Mr. Obama, black. Simply because he is not. However, your comments and viewpoints about our beloved country’s earthquake fear, is perhaps too cynical and a little insensitive. Any country in the world would have reacted the same way, it was sent by text and could have only been disputed when the authorities came to know about it, which is exactly what happened. You of all people should know what Ghana is like on the ground, people dropped out of school to make money for their families, Ghana is not a country overflowing with 25 million scientists. Some things cannot be helped.Adjoa, Manchester, UK

Frankly, Obama cannot do much for Africa because he is fighting for his political survival. Instead of focusing attention on what goes on outside US, Obama should first try to solve the problem of black American. Africa will take care of itself. Enough of foreign aid that is making us more dependent. After all, despite all the doomsday scenario and brutal colonialism, Africa is still standing. Contrary to what prophet of doom, Pat Robertson, thinks, neither Africa nor Haiti is cursed. It is a scare tactics to make black people irrelevant. You wonder while many people are sceptical of organised religion.Gbenga

I beg to differ. Obama is ours and we will claim him, whether good or bad. Even great schools like Harvard and Yale claim our purely African leaders whom they trained.Ahmed-Salim, Bogoso, Ghana

As an African living in London, I am 100% in support of what Elizabeth mentioned in her report. It leaves me with a bad taste in my mouth when the whole continent lays so much hope on one man’s journey and then forgets all that has been said and done and still continues to be cast in the most undignified manner. Take for example my country of birth Sierra Leone. We went through ten years of madness killing each other and after all that the people are still facing the same problems. The country is still being managed in the same manner, where we still need the west to answer our calls to maintain our daily living. No Mr Obama is coming my people – it’s time we get our self out of this dream and start living. Rasheed, London

President Obama sent his Secretary of State, Hillary Rodham Clinton, on a high profile tour in Africa, so I am not sure how you can say that Africa doesn’t figure into his agenda. As well, although I appreciate your resolution that images of Africa not be negative, your closing comment regarding his mother projects racism and self hate. If you know much about identity politics in the US, you might also realise that "African" and "black" are different. Which one is better or worse of an association for Barack Obama? I can’t say. I am one that thinks that change will come through the positive image of a black POTUS being projected everywhere to over the next few years and will positively influence young people.Heather, Kinshasa, DRC

I am from Massachusetts and what I think you fail to realise is that when I see my President I do not see him as African because he is an American as I am. I also see him by his party affiliation. He is a Democrat and that is what fuels the majority of Americans regarding their views of their president. President Obama has been fixated on passing "universal" health care, which it is not, and the people of Massachusetts voted in a Republican to fill the empty Senate seat of deceased Sen. Kennedy not because of Haiti but because of the impending passage of the health care bill. The people of Massachusetts and his white mother take no offense to the fact that President Obama has a rich cultural heritage that includes Africa.D. Ludovici, Boston, USA

The colour of my skin happens to be white. But I know the whole world originated in Africa. Or at the least a significant majority of earths present inhabitants. So the article was completely refreshing. A different perspective. Genuinely appreciated and nestled in my heart, mind and soul.Denny, Alabama, USA

Your statement: "If I were his white mother I would be outraged every time someone referred to him as black" is moronic, because his mother raised him so he knew about his black culture. Obama loves his African heritage and identifies himself as being African American (not white). To say that Africans should not support him is asinine and dumb. Laura, USA

As far as I am concerned Obama is post graduate of Harvard University. There is no Africa about his being a US president. He is just like and in the same age as Clinton, JFK, to name but a few. Moreover, the UK did not change as Ian Smith became president of Rhodesia, nor Holland as Botha became that of Apartheid South Africa. The Holabohi, the Wahala and Palava over Obama’s African connection is nothing but "much ado about nothing" or "as you like it".Sunny, Berlin, Germany

Africa needs to help herself meet the millennium goals through good governance, accountability, nonviolence etc. Obama is the President of the USA not Africa. Though he has some of his roots in Africa Obama is not black but bi-racial. I have a fiancee who is bi-racial and it is always insulting to her as well her white mother when people call her a black woman. It takes her mother out of the picture.Seltue, Uppsala University, Sweden

]]> http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/health-care-bill-text-senate-health-care-bill-text/feed/ 0 http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/crystal-bowersox-health-what-is-wrong-with-crystal-bowersox/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/crystal-bowersox-health-what-is-wrong-with-crystal-bowersox/#comments Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:02:31 +0000 eparentrpc http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/crystal-bowersox-health-what-is-wrong-with-crystal-bowersox/

]]> http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/crystal-bowersox-health-what-is-wrong-with-crystal-bowersox/feed/ 0 http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/16-and-pregnant-chelsea-chelsea-from-16-and-pregnant/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/16-and-pregnant-chelsea-chelsea-from-16-and-pregnant/#comments Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:02:44 +0000 eparentrpc http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/16-and-pregnant-chelsea-chelsea-from-16-and-pregnant/

watching 16 and pregnant and I am so mad. i feel so sorry for Chelsea. She got the meanest text ever.

Omg im watching 16 and pregnant and i feel soo bad for chelsea

]]> http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/16-and-pregnant-chelsea-chelsea-from-16-and-pregnant/feed/ 0 http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/is-kathy-ireland-pregnant-what-happened-to-morgan-freeman-s-hand/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/is-kathy-ireland-pregnant-what-happened-to-morgan-freeman-s-hand/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 04:02:30 +0000 eparentrpc http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/is-kathy-ireland-pregnant-what-happened-to-morgan-freeman-s-hand/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/is-kathy-ireland-pregnant-what-happened-to-morgan-freeman-s-hand/feed/ 0 http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/red-robin-birthday-club-red-robin-restaurant/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/red-robin-birthday-club-red-robin-restaurant/#comments Mon, 08 Mar 2010 00:02:22 +0000 eparentrpc http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/red-robin-birthday-club-red-robin-restaurant/

]]> http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/red-robin-birthday-club-red-robin-restaurant/feed/ 0 http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/baby-rasta-shot-baby-rasta-herido-de-bala/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/baby-rasta-shot-baby-rasta-herido-de-bala/#comments Thu, 04 Mar 2010 01:02:23 +0000 eparentrpc http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/baby-rasta-shot-baby-rasta-herido-de-bala/

]]> http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/baby-rasta-shot-baby-rasta-herido-de-bala/feed/ 0 http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/mcstay-family-mcstay-family-missing/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/mcstay-family-mcstay-family-missing/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 15:02:34 +0000 eparentrpc http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/mcstay-family-mcstay-family-missing/

]]> http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/mcstay-family-mcstay-family-missing/feed/ 0 http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/parenthood-tv-show-parenthood-tv-show-cast/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/parenthood-tv-show-parenthood-tv-show-cast/#comments Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:02:31 +0000 eparentrpc http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/parenthood-tv-show-parenthood-tv-show-cast/ Pop star Peter Andre fought back tears, after being asked how he would feel if ex-wife Katie Price’s new husband wanted to adopt his children.

The singer, who cut short the live interview on Sky News, said: "No-one is going to take my kids away from me."

Andre, who has two children with Price, said he would go to court if such a situation arose. Sky presenter Kay Burley later apologised to him.

Media regulator Ofcom said it had received complaints about the segment.

However, it would not reveal how many had been in touch and said no decision had been made about launching a formal investigation.

It was revealed on Wednesday that model Price and Alex Reid, winner of this year’s Celebrity Big Brother, had wed in Las Vegas.

‘Disrespectful’

During Andre’s marriage to Price he volunteered to adopt her first child, Harvey, whose father is footballer Dwight Yorke.

As part of the Sky News interview, Andre was shown archive footage of Yorke criticising him for wanting to adopt his child.

Responding to the clip, Andre said: "To me, a nice little thank you would be nice. I asked to adopt him because I love him. I didn’t ask to adopt him to be disrespectful.

"It angers me when people turn around and I get a comment like that."

Burley then asked the star how he would feel if Reid said he wanted to adopt Andre’s children, Princess and Junior.

"No-one is going to take my kids away from me – nobody," he responded.

"Nobody is going to take my kids away from me and I will fight to the death for that.

"I didn’t expect that, I’m sorry. I will die for those children."

Burley attempted to change the subject asking the visibly upset singer about his forthcoming tour – which Andre appeared on the show to promote – but he cut short the interview.

Blinking back tears, Andre said, with a shaky voice: "I’d rather just stop this if that’s all right?"

Writing in her online blog, Burley said she went to speak to Andre after the interview and he "sobbed on my shoulder".

She added: "I was mortified at having upset such an obviously doting family man and was keen to offer sincere apologies, but he was his usual charming self.

"As we stood and chatted about parenthood, he said he was relieved he’d finally vented some of the pent-up tension he’d been feeling. I sympathised but warned him not to ever cry in front of the children."

A statement released by Sky News said: "As part of a round of media interviews today, Peter Andre agreed to take part in an open and candid interview with Kay Burley, which was also to be filmed by a reality TV crew.

"Although he had been aware that the discussion would touch on his family life, Peter found himself unable to continue and the interview was stopped. Kay later spoke with Peter off-camera and they parted amicably."

Sky News has refused to confirm whether any complaints were made, but former tabloid newspaper editor Kelvin MacKenzie told ITV’s This Morning programme that viewers had contacted the news programme about the interview.

"I know, because I was at Sky News last night, that they received a load of e-mails from their viewers saying that they didn’t warm to that," he said.

MacKenzie, who said he has known Burley for "many years", added: "No-one wants to see anyone break down and cry like this.

"I don’t think it harmed Peter Andre.

"If Kay Burley could do it again, she definitely wouldn’t do it again and I know Sky News fantastically well… and they wouldn’t want it to happen either."

No deal

Andre and Price divorced last September, four-and-a-half years after meeting on reality TV show I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here.

Earlier on in the day, Andre had said he had "no negative feelings" about his ex-wife’s remarriage.

Price and Reid, who have been dating for seven months, tied the knot in a "private, simple" ceremony on Tuesday.

The couple said in a statement: "We can’t wait to get back and celebrate our marriage with our friends and family, who we know fully support our wishes."

According to Price’s publicist, the star has insisted their decision to marry has not been made with any "pre-conceived commercial plan or media deal in place".

]]> http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/parenthood-tv-show-parenthood-tv-show-cast/feed/ 0 http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/partridge-family-danny-bonaduce/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/partridge-family-danny-bonaduce/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 15:02:25 +0000 eparentrpc http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/partridge-family-danny-bonaduce/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/partridge-family-danny-bonaduce/feed/ 0 http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/can-i-get-pregnant-from-a-dog-can-i-get-aids-from-swimming-with-black-people/ http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/can-i-get-pregnant-from-a-dog-can-i-get-aids-from-swimming-with-black-people/#comments Tue, 02 Mar 2010 00:02:33 +0000 eparentrpc http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/can-i-get-pregnant-from-a-dog-can-i-get-aids-from-swimming-with-black-people/ Farming unions have warned walkers, especially those with dogs, to be aware of the dangers posed by cows with calves.

Three people have died in as many months and others have been injured.

They include the former Home Secretary David Blunkett who was trampled while walking with his guide dog.

Farmers are becoming increasingly worried and say walkers should be aware that cattle are naturally protective towards calves and can attack dogs.

Three walkers have died in the past three months alone.

The former Home Secretary David Blunkett was trampled earlier this year as he was out walking with his guide dog Sadie in the Peak District.

The Sheffield MP let Sadie go and she ran to safety.

He suffered three broken ribs and bruising.

"It made me realise how serious this can be and I’ve had literally scores of letters from people injured or relatives of people who have been injured or even killed," said Mr Blunkett.

The farming unions say walkers who feel threatened by cattle should always let their dog off the lead.

They say they want people to enjoy the countryside but be aware of the dangers.

Ed Rees, chairman of the livestock board at the National Farmers’ Union Cymru (NFU), said it was natural that cows would protect their calves.

"Initially when you’re walking with a dog, keep it on a lead in case you encounter sheep.

"But if it’s cattle, and if they come towards you, let the dog go as they’ll see the dog as the enemy and if you’re seen as trying to protect your dog, you may be in trouble.

"Just take a walking stick with you – be bold and walk straight through them. These animals are just protecting themselves and they see the dog as a threat to themselves and their calves."

Mr Rees said it was tragic when the trampling incidents occurred but they were still very rare.

Farmer Harold Lee, 75, from Somerset died in hospital earlier this month after being trampled after his herd were apparently startled by a fire engine siren.

Have you been attacked by a cow?

While out horse riding i’ve had to rescue a couple and their dog who were charged by a herd, and escort them to the edge of the field. They were boldly walking through the middle of the herd that had a lot of calves, under the premis that "you can’t get killed while on holiday"..

Barnabas, UK

A walker, Anita Hinchey, 63, was trampled to death in July by cows when she tried to rescue her dog which ran into the herd near Cardiff.

In June, 49-year-old vet Liz Crowsley was trampled to death by a herd of cattle while walking the Pennine Way with her two dogs.

Before the latest incidents, Health and Safety Executive figures showed that 18 people had been killed and 481 injured by cows in the previous eight years.

We asked if you had ever been in danger or injured by cows. Here are a selection of your responses.

Walking on edge of field with a mixed herd of cattle over the far side.. Walking with two tiny dogs and one lab sized dog on leads but the herd came toward us and started running us out of the field. Let go of the dogs but one decided to protect us by barking madly at the herd and trying to stand his ground – he was the only one of us not petrified. We scooped him up and ran to the gate with the herd on our heels making a hell of a racket. I’m just very garetful our very old dog kept running because I don’t think the herd would have stopped until they’d done some damage.. No calves were in the field. I didn’t stop shaking for a week and coulndt even laugh about how lucky we were for at least two weeks. Sam bernardis, Peterborough, uk

We had a very scary experience whilst on a walking holiday and had to jump a fence with our two dogs to escape aggressive cattle chasing us and trying to kick us (it just didn’t occur to us in the panic to let the dogs go). We would never walk through a field with cattle now (even without dogs)Joyce, West Linton, UK

I had a terrifying experience in June the day before vet Liz Crowsley was killed when I was walking on a public footpath through a field on a route near my home that I use regularly. Fortunately I released my dogs but if I hadn’t I would most definitely have been seriously injured or killed by a herd of 40+ cattle including a bull. These incidences are more common than the organisations with a vested interest would have you believe and in my opinion farmers are being willfully and knowingly negligent when putting highly dangerous animals in areas where they will come into contact with the public. More people will die and be seriously injured before something is done about it.Stewart Thompson, Darlington, England

A neighbour and I were walking our dogs (on leads) a couple of months ago in a field in Ongar where there are cows and for no reason at all they began to charge us and headbut my neighbour.. I was absolutely terrified and ran for my life. There were no young calves around – just a bunch of evil cows. Needless to say I do not go into this "cow field" any more Tracey Cusick, Ongar Essex

HI everyone Cows with calves pose a very high risk especially continental breeds. I currently have one on the farm here and she will eat nuts out of my hand most of the year. The day she calves and for weeks after my life is in danger if I get too close. Dogs also will seek refuge behind owners and add further risk of personal injury.I have worked with stock from my youth and didn’t think that occassionaly a cow could be more dangerous than a bull.The moral of the story is keep well clear of them just in case there is a rogue waiting. Regards Arthur McKevitt, Newry NI

i used to work on a farm with cattle, when herding them they can charge but in general they are more afraid of you, if you let them see you are frighted thats when it starts being a problem, all you need to do is stay calm make yourself look bigger by holding out your arms its pigs with piglets that are the very violent ones chris, northants

Failing light and a wrong turn whilst walking in Derbyshire in March of this year found my fiancée and I in a field with several dozen cows. A slow amble towards us turned into a forthright advance as we angled to the edge of the field and beckoning safety. To make good our escape we clambered down a small embankment to a favourably placed river and traversed the final 100 yards ankle deep. As I fully expected (read: desperately hoped.) the cows were reticent to join us at water’s edge but uncomfortably tracked us all the way to the fence at the edge of their land. On reaching our safe haven we noted a sign warning of the danger of entry. Perhaps when the recession is over a second sign will be placed at the entrance on the other side of the field…Richard, Hale, Cheshire

I work for the electricity board, and regularly have to walk into fields to operate apparatus on our overhead lines. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve had to jump fences to avoid aggressive (this word is chosen carefully – I’m not confusing aggresion with curiosity) cattle. I now carry a long stick so I can at least make some attempt at defending myself if required. Robert McMillan, York

Whilst taking a holiday in north wales two years ago, we decided to go on a walk recomended by the locals, which happend to have led me my partner and two children into the pathway of a heard of cow’s whith there young. We approached with extreme caution so we did not startle them as they were on the pathway of the walk.We believe the only reason they did’nt feel threatened was because we had our young with us and maybe nature prevails, however they still seemed curious which made us feel uneasey, may of been a different story had we had a dog with us.David Mitchell, Croydon

I’ve never had a dog but have been chased several times by cattle whilst walking in the countryside and not only by those with calves. On one particularly frightening occasion some years ago, my brother, father and I were pursued across a field by a whole herd of bullocks. These days, if I cross a field holding cattle of any kind, I keep close to the field boundary so I can hop over if needs be. I might add, though, that none of this compares with the terror of being charged by a startled horse, which happened to me in Essex a couple of years ago. I was also butted by a sheep once which was more frightening then you might think.Max Wurr, Stanmore, UK

I was charged at by a herd of cows years ago and after throwing ourselves across the gate we saw the farmer and he said it was milking time and the cows might have got spooked when we didnt do what they expected. I have often been laughed at when out walking because of my extreme caution in cow fields, so at least now I know that this is not misplaced, walking round the edge is the safest place. Christine Prior , Bristol

My husband and I go walking at least once a week and I’d like to stress that we’ve never had a problem with cattle. Last week we walked through a field with several cows and calves, a bull, and several bullocks. One of the calves came over to investigate but the cows weren’t interested in us. I know that terrible things can happen. Cows are large animals and can be dangerous. But the vast majority of the time they are perfectly docile. This is good advice for people. It always pays to be aware of your surroundings. We always take a minute before entering a field with livestock to take account of the situation but this is little more than a cursory habit.Arianne, Herts

I was walking in the Warwick countryside yesterday, when a man with two labs walked into the same field we were in. There was a herd of about 40 young cows in the field. This man’s dogs were not on a lead and they charged the cows, nipping at their legs and barking and chasing them. Whilst I appreciate the seriousness of the warning this article conveys, irresponsible dog owners who allow their dogs to torment a herd are equally to blame. I am with the farmers on this one. belinda sullivan, London

I was charged by a cow once whilst out walking with no dog. Fortunately quick reactions and a handy large lump of wood did the trick. I now detour around fields with cows to be on the safe side.Colin, Kent

I have previously been charged by cows and now regularly refuse to walk through field of cattle. In my experience cows will get up and lumber towards you, even just out of curiosity. As someone who doesn’t like, let alone own a dog I am led to think it is not just dogs that scare these animals. Patrick, Dewsbury, England

My wife and I have been chased several times by these animals, including once when she was pregnant with our first child. Even without calves, these animals can be well dangerous and should be kept off public rights of way. I now carry at least my walking stick and sometimes several pebbles in order to defend myself, although knowing how our species actively favours others above our own, that’s probably illegal…Let’s just say that I used to have, but no longer have, any qualms about eating beef…. Tony, Paignton, UK

We have twice had to jump barbed wire fences to escape charging cattle. There were no calves in the field on either occasion. The NFU seem amazing complacent, it’s all very well saying let the dog go but like Sam above our dog doesn’t leave us in these situations. The footpath in question links our village to the next and is used not only by locals but by families on holiday and by young people doing their Duke of Edinburgh awards. We have lived in the country for 30 years and this issue seems to have got very much worse recently. Because of the lie of the land here it is not always possible to see if there are cows in a field before entering so what have been public rights of way for hundreds of years are becoming no go areas. David Boddy, Wareham, England

I was attacked by a herd of cows when walking with my dog near Dalrigh, Tyndrum. Both of us were lucky to escape as we had both fallen over at times when running away and had to roll to avoid their hooves raining down on us. We finally managed to reach a fence then punched and kicked to clear a space and allow us to jump it. The dog was scared but did not want to leave my side. We were lucky there was a fence close to us as they can easily outpace a human on that terrain.Colin Craig, Alloa, Clackmannanshire

I and my elderly Labrador had a narrow escape a few years ago when she was attacked by a herd of Charollais with calves. We didn’t realise they were in the field until half way across, by which time it was too late and they charged. My poor dog reached the gate literally two inches in front of the leading cow, and squeezed through a gap she’d never normally have got through. If I’d had her on a lead, it would have been a very different story for both of us. It is the farmer’s responsibility not to put animals which they well know may be dangerous in a field crossed by a public footpath. It is the walker’s right to walk a dog along public footpaths without having to worry if they’re going to be attacked. And it is NOT enough for a farmer to put up a notice (as one did near us) saying ‘Bull in field, stick to the path’. Does the bull know where the path is? I think not. Pam Thomas, Devizes Wilts

Cows don’t always attack just dogs and their owners unfortunately. Our encounter happened yesterday afternoon, my fiance and I were walking through a field near Marsh Gibbon in Bucks. The field had about half a dozen cows grazing seemingly peacefully and not bothered by two walkers. However, after we had passed the herd and were near the exit to the field, one of them decided to take a dislike to me and begun charging towards me. It was only by pure chance that my fiance turned around to speak to me and realised what was happening as we had our backs to the cows by this time. He took quick action of shouting which thankfully made it stop in it’s tracks. We have no idea why it charged, we weren’t near them, hadn’t approached them, didn’t have a dogs with us and there were no calves around. Incidentally, the other cows never moved. Louise H, Buckinghamshire

I had to walk from the village where I live to collect my car from a local garage, so I decided to go by the shortest route, across the fields. I used public footpaths where I had previously walked with my family and which are used regularly by walkers. There was a herd of young bullocks in the field, a long way from me. I had been walking for years and had never had a problem with cows, but this time, I noticed when I was half way across a long field that a group of them was starting to canter towards me. The bullocks were getting more and more excited, bucking and prancing and soon the whole herd joined them, getting faster and faster. I was on my own, with no dog. I was quite a long way from the nearest fence and stile and decided to act as if I wasn’t worried, so I just walked faster. Then, when the stile came closer and I reckoned I could get to it before them, I ran as fast as I could. I love walking, but this event has now made me extremely nervous if I enter a field .

Janet E, Monmouthshire, Chepstow, Wales

I have walked through many fields of cows without a problem in the past and have never been scared of them. However a few weeks ago my partner and I tried to cross a field of Fresians in Lancashire, no dogs or calves present. Just after we passed the herd, 3 of them gave chase. With no stick or stones to defend ourselves we ran for the nearest style (not our intended exit from the field so a large detour required to get back on track). It makes us wonder, looking at the stories in the press and other reader’s comments what could be making cows more agressive these days? Is it something in their feed? We go out of our way to avoid cows nowadays – maybe that’s what someone intends – a conspiracy to try to stop walkers from enjoying their right of way across open farmland? Surely not. Makes me wonder though . . .Mike, South Shields, Tyne & Wear

A number of contributors have suggested that farmers keep cows away from public rights of way. Ideally this should happen, but with the Countryside Rights of Way legislation many farmers now have rights of way covering every single one of their fields. In my case I have only 3 fields where the public should not roam, and even then I sometimes spot hikers going through them. Cows are curious animals, with or without calves, always take a walking stick with you, be confident, talk firmly to them and if they get too near stretch your arms and walking stick outwards to fill the maximum area (cows join up all the external points and so you suddenly become massive in their eyes).Chrys G, Northumberland

]]> http://e-parentingnews.com/2010/03/can-i-get-pregnant-from-a-dog-can-i-get-aids-from-swimming-with-black-people/feed/ 0