Alex Birch, a cattle farmer from Derbyshire, is implementing this strategy in response to an influx of visitors drawn by the cows' adorable looks, which have gained popularity on social media. The Highland cows have been in his family since his grandfather introduced them in the 1970s, and they roam the scenic moorland of Baslow Edge. Birch once found 30 people with cameras flashing while the cows were cornered in the field.
Authorities have issued warnings to address safety concerns; the Peak District National Park Authority cautioned visitors against getting too close, feeding, or taking selfies with the cows, while Queen Elizabeth Country Park urged people not to touch or approach Highland cows amid increased social media attention. Birch could be held liable for prosecution if someone were injured by his cows. On social media, videos on TikTok show visitors tickling, stroking, and hugging the animals and giving tips on how to do so.
I've seen the videos, I've seen it in person, I've seen someone filming a yoga video next to them.
The specific hill breed to be used for crossbreeding and how long the process will take to make the cows less photogenic are not yet known, nor are the exact measures authorities are taking to enforce warnings. Additionally, the number of Highland cows Birch currently owns has not been disclosed.
People just can't understand it when you tell them not to approach them and that the cows might turn on them. They don't think it's a problem, they can't see the danger.
We are going to breed them out, we are going to cross them with different hill breed. The intention is to make them less photogenic...it's sad, it's not a decision I wanted to make, my grandfather is not particularly happy about it but he does understand.