AN Irish farmer left seriously injured by one of his own cows has spoken out to raise awareness about the dangers of farm animals.
Brendan McLaughlin, 66, was on his farm near Manorcunningham in Co. Donegal two weeks ago when the attack unfolded.
Mr McLaughlin, who is also the vice chairman of the Irish Farmers' Association, was chased by a newly-calved cow on the 86-acre farm before it pinned him to a gate.
The farmer sustained serious injuries to his leg and foot and was rushed to hospital.
"The heifer had calved and the calf took sick," Mr McLaughlin told BBC News. "I have escape gates and everything but I didn't see this coming. I'll never trust a heifer again.
"She came behind me to the gate. She looked at me and didn't move. I ran then as hard as I could.
"I ran through a feeding barrier which was only 12 inches wide, but she got me. She pinned my foot to the barrier with her head".
Mr McLaughlin has been a farmer for 40 years and decided to share his story to warn his fellow farmers not to trust their animals.
"Nothing like this has ever happened to me before. I was on my back before I knew it and kind of passed out," he said.
"I had my phone in my pocket which was lucky and I got hold of my wife.
"The pain was severe and I knew there was damage done. I'm lucky to be alive.
"I broke the tibia in one place and broke the bottom of my heel. I have pins in my foot and the leg too".
Mr McLaughlin added: "My message for farmers is never to trust a cow or any animal on a farm. You can have all the safety measures in the world but never trust a cow."
