A HERD of cows were reportedly attacked with rocks by children.

A concerned resident posted on social media warning others of a group of ‘feral kids’ abusing cows at Kinson Common on September 25.

The post spread on social media, causing uproar from residents into the safety of the animals.

Now, the cows have been relocated by BCP Council for their own safety and Dorset Police has been notified of the incident.

The post read: “Today, while I was onsite checking on the cattle, four kids went into the enclosure where the cows were happily lying down.

"The feral kids then started shouting at the cows and one threw a piece of rock which hit a cow on the back leg.

“By this time the cows had leapt up, but the screaming feral kids kept chasing them, throwing stones and pieces of rock at them and generally terrifying the cows.

“The cows ran into a small, wooded area to escape and hide, but the kids kept throwing stones and rocks into the woods.”

Cllr Andy Hadley, portfolio holder for climate response, environment and energy at BCP Council, said: “We have contacted the police about an attack on some cattle by young people on Kinson Common on 25 September.

“The cows have been safely re-located and the situation is being closely monitored with regular checks and patrols by ranger teams throughout the day.

“The management of urban heaths across Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole is often challenging but these habitats benefit enormously from conservation grazing while giving people the opportunity to see and engage with nature close to where they live in our towns.

“We ask everyone to respect the animals and wildlife found on our fantastic nature reserves.

“Anyone witnessing similar attacks, or with information,  should contact Dorset Police by calling 101.”

Residents should talk to the RSPCA online or on 0300 1234 999 for help with an animal that is:

  • at risk of cruelty or neglect
  • trapped or injured in a way that needs specialist help