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A jogger headbutted by a rampaging cow was lucky to escape with a broken arm.
Ted Walker was running through Auckland's Cornwall Park when he was felled by a kick and a butt from a cow protecting two calves. The attack ended when the calves wandered away, leaving Walker to seek hospital treatment.
"I was absolutely terrified and scared witless," he told a community newspaper. "I thought she was going to kill me."
Walker confirmed to the Herald on Sunday he had never before encountered an angry cow in years of using the park and wanted to warn about the dangers of over-protective animals.
Part of the park is a working farm and numerous signs warn visitors to avoid the animals, particularly during the spring calving and lambing.
Park director Michael Ayrton said the incident was unfortunate and "not very nice for poor old Ted". He said cows were very protective of their young and reminded people to keep a safe distance, about 50m.
"Enjoy them but don't touch them because they are not pets, they are farm animals."
The park has also had trouble with people stroking lambs. Ewes abandon lambs if they smell another mammal's scent on them.
