I was trampled by cows so badly that they left hoofprints on my chest – I was convinced that if I fell asleep I would never wake up

A woman has recounted the horrific moment she was trampled by a group of cows in a shocking attack that left her with life-changing injuries.

Dog walker Janicke Tvedt was left with seven broken ribs and devastating internal injuries after the rampaging beasts crushed her during a country stroll. 

The 57-year-old was on a popular walk in Masham, Yorkshire, with her friend David Hood and Labrador, goose, and were using a public footpath to cut through a field full of cows and calves, when they were attacked. 

A terrified Ms Tvedt – who was due to undergo cancer treatment and was fitted with a colostomy bag at the time – was knocked to the ground and trampled as she tried to run away. 

She was helped up by Mr Hood but the horrified pair were then forced to scramble up a tree to escape after being surrounded by 15 of the animals. 

Have YOU ever been trampled by cows? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk 

Ms Tvedt was airlifted to hospital suffering seven broken ribs, hoof marks on her chest and legs, a broken thumb, and life-changing internal injuries that required emergency surgery after the nightmarish incident on July 25, 2021. 

Recounting the ordeal as a farmer was sentenced by a court over the attack, she said: ‘I had the imprints of hoof marks, bruises, cuts, and grazes all over my body. I was convinced that if I fell asleep, I would never wake up. I still have anxiety when on walks in the countryside and am always on alert for the presence of cattle.’

Cattle can weigh more than a tonne and over the last few years, several people have died in North Yorkshire due to dangerous cow encounters.

Describing he moment she was crushed, Ms Tvedt continued: ‘One of the cows rolled on top of me and then everything went quiet. 

‘I was lying there, and my partner came back and helped me. He helped me over to a nearby tree as the cows had blocked the exit and I put my head between my knees as I felt like I was going to pass out.’

Ms Tvedt’s injuries delayed her cancer treatment and she remains severely restricted in her mobility almost three years. 

She spoke out about her nightmare to help raise awareness after a farmer pleaded guilty to a health and safety breach at York Magistrates’ Court last week over the attack.

An investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) found that livestock were being kept in a field with a public right of way across it and insufficient measures were taken to protect members of the public from cattle and calves.

A sign warning the public of the cattle had been destroyed and not replaced. 

Martin Falshaw, of Shaws Farm, Swinton, Ripon, North Yorkshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3 (2) of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974. He was fined £770.50 and ordered to pay £4,539 in costs

After the hearing, HSE principal inspector Howard Whittaker said: ‘The injuries sustained by Janicke have been devastating and completely changed her life. However, given the nature of the attack, the end result could have been far worse and resulted in two people losing their lives.

‘Public knowledge – and concern – is increasing about how dangerous cattle can be. We completely echo the countryside code which urges walkers to beware of the dangers. On this occasion, the pair tried to stay well away.

‘Cattle are extremely protective of their calves and even calm cattle can become aggressive if they think the calves may, in any way, be threatened, even by members of the public walking past.

‘Where possible, farmers should avoid putting cattle, especially cows with calves, in fields where members of the public have a legal right to walk. Had Martin Falshaw followed this advice, or effectively segregated the cattle, this incident could have been prevented.’

Ms Tvedt said she decided to speak out in a bid to warn others about the potential dangers of walking in countryside beauty spots. 

She added: ‘We live in a rural community and there are lots of footpaths around the fields in the area and I do not want other people’s lives to be at risk. 

‘I want to ensure the emphasis of my story is to improve awareness of the dangers of cows, particularly those in fields with footpaths. 

‘I am determined not to take on the mantle of being a victim as it’s disempowering.’

Have YOU ever been trampled by cows? Email tom.cotterill@mailonline.co.uk