Fatal Livestock Trampling Incidents Reported in China, Scotland, India

Fraser Johnstone, an experienced 83-year-old farmer from Inverness, died after being trampled by a cow while feeding a calf on his farm. The cow pinned him against a wall, threw him to the ground, and trampled his chest and body, causing catastrophic injuries including rib fractures, a broken sternum, and heart damage. Despite managing to crawl back to his farmhouse and seek help, Johnstone's condition deteriorated, leading to heart and kidney failure, and life support was eventually withdrawn. A Fatal Accident Inquiry concluded that Johnstone was fully aware of the risks of handling breeding cows and that no precautions could have prevented the accident. The Health and Safety Executive reviewed the case but did not conduct a formal investigation, recognizing that dangers from protective cows are well-known. This tragic accident highlights the inherent risks faced by farmers working with livestock.