The owners of rare-breed cattle at a nature reserve in South Yorkshire say two cows have lost their calves after a suspected dog attack, despite the site being fenced off with no public access. Grazier Sam Sykes noticed his usually docile Dexter cows behaving strangely, becoming agitated and chasing his own dog, before one animal appeared badly injured and a vet confirmed the calf losses. The couple, who have managed conservation grazing at the site for two decades, are now considering whether it remains safe to keep cattle there, citing both emotional distress and potential financial harm from disrupted breeding plans.

The incident occurred at Wogden Foot Nature Reserve near Dunford Bridge, where a walker reported seeing three people and a loose dog inside the fenced-off area. Barnsley Council, which owns the reserve, confirmed there is no public access and reminded dog owners that livestock worrying is a criminal offence, urging visitors to view the cattle safely from the adjacent Trans Pennine Trail instead. Sam and Sue Sykes, both in their 70s, use rare miniature cattle and sheep breeds to manage scrubland and boost biodiversity at the site.