WIRE-cutting walkers breaking through fences where cattle are grazing are putting lives at risk, a farmer has warned. Vandals armed with wire cutters are breaking through stock fencing put up to safeguard a herd of Charolais and Limousin cattle in fields above Broadmeadow, Teignmouth. But the thoughtless spate means that the animals, each weighing at least half a tonne, could reach the public fields and the busy Teignmouth Road. It is a headache for Bishopsteignton farmer Roger Dawe, who is spending days patching up the fences and replacing warning notices that are being ripped down. 'People are not sticking to the footpaths which may not be such a problem until they start cutting the fences. 'It is serious because if the cattle break through the perimeter fence they are on to the main road and could cause a serious accident,' he said. Already internal fencing has been cut causing the cattle to move into fields earmarked for cutting. Children have also been spotted throwing stones at the herd and chasing them up and down the fields. Mr Dawe, who farms four and a half acres, has put up notices warning that vandals face prosecution if they cut through the fences. Police are upping patrols of the area and footpath officers are ensuring that the public right of way is acceptable. 'It is only a small amount of people who stray from the path. Perhaps they are frustrated by all the fencing because it means that they can't go where they like. 'But it is private land, and I have to protect my animals,' he said.
