ECHO readers were not impressed to hear that calls have been made for free-roaming cattle in the New Forest to have their horns removed to protect the public.

"If you get struck, you're obviously too close" was one comment from a reader, after the story broke that a group of animal owners claimed the risk of walkers being attacked means all cattle grazing in the Forest should be de-horned, regardless of their breed.

The plea was made at the monthly Court of Verderers by three members of the same commoning family - Mark, Katie and Nicola Ferrett.

Mr Ferrett said: "This I know will be controversial but the commoners have to compromise and have a conscience about reducing the possibility of a human being being gored by a horn.

"This will show good intent from the commoning community and also will improve the value of their stock.”

And controversial is was.

After breaking the story earlier this week, readers were unimpressed, with hundreds of comments questioning the call - some even asking if it was a joke.

What you said:

  • No, the animals should be shown respect the Forest is their home. Walkers need to obey the country code and give them a wide 'berth'.
  • If you are too stupid to keep away from the cattle then you shouldn't be walking where they graze.
  • No, if you get struck by their horns you're obviously too close to them.
  • Dairy cattle routinely have their horn buds removed when a few weeks old this is to protect their carers as well as other cows but these cows are grazing wild so need their horns to protect themselves. Next they will want all the deers antlers removed.
  • Totally unnecessary. It’s not difficult to keep your distance around all the animals. The forest is their home, and it is a lovely place to walk but we have to respect the animals.
  • Is this a joke? Absolutely not! What is wrong with people! If you are scared of them, don’t go to their natural habitat stay at home and watch tv.
  • Absolutely no! Theses people will want the wild life to wear nappies soon incase they step in poop!
  • This has got to be a joke! It’s very easy to walk around the new forest without coming in contact with these animals! If you see one. Just simply walk the other way!
  • Maybe we should remove cars from humans to protect the animals.  wouldn’t think they’d like that too much.
  • No! Definitely not. We humans interfere with far too much and need to learn to leave nature alone. Nature has a way of correcting itself every so often and can be quite devastating without us making things worse. I could go right off at a tangent at the moment, about everything else that we should keep our oars out of, but I'd probably upset to many people!
  • Crazy idea. It’s not rocket science, just stay away from animals on the Forest and you don’t need to be protected!
  • Next they will be removing animals teeth so they don’t bite the poor tourists next. We need to respect the animals
  • Don't go near them. Why should the animals have to pay the consequence of stupid humans who can't follow the rules.
  • Leave them be. If a walker gets impaled, they’ll keep well clear next time! Nature gives horns for a reason.
  • They do realise that a cow will just crush you if it can't gore you. What next? Make them loose weight and breed miniatures? Leave them alone and be observant then you won't accidentally walk into one, they aren't pets 
  • No. Humans need to learn to stay away form them n leave them alone. The forest belongs to the animals, we are all just visitors sharing it with them.
  • Shall I just remove my dogs teeth? Or his claws? Just in case he hurts me?
  • Go for a walk in a natural protected park but alter the animals that live in the “natural, protected” park? 
  • Leave them as they are, people need to be responsible for their own actions and stay away from the animals.
  • Absolutely not, these beautiful animals and their young have the right to stay as they have done for many many years..humans need educating
  • Is this an April Fools?
  • This is the most ridiculous thing I have ever heard  so the cows in their own environment have to be maimed because walkers don’t keep their distance. The world really has gone mad
  • What a ridiculous idea!! Just keep away from them .. It’s primarily a place for animals, they should be given utmost priority over humans

What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.