In an effort to protect cows in Hungerford, Berkshire, from wandering onto the roads, the local council recently proposed a very unlikely idea… high-viz reflective cow jackets. No, this is not a late April Fools’ Day joke.
It was proposed that the cows should wear fluorescent jackets with lights strung around their necks in a bid to keep them safe from motorists driving round the green, and would allow the herd of ‘disco’ cattle to graze safely in fading light.
The council felt that new measures had to be taken after a number of cows have been hit by cars on the green at Hungerford, resulting in one having to be put down last month due to severe injuries. However, the idea was met with opposition – and a few raised eyebrows - with farmers branding it ‘ridiculous’, and a case of health and safety going into overdrive.
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Ultimately, the proposal was rejected, after it was deemed too costly for both the council and farmers, however it is not such an unbelievable idea with a pilot project of ‘disco cows’ already in operation in Gloucestershire. After 17 cows were hit by passing cars on commons in Minchinhampton, Selsley and Rodborough, 500 cows were fitted with reflective collars to improve safety for both the animals, and the drivers.
Just plain wacky? Or actually a great idea? Let us know your thoughts by tweeting us @GHmagazine
