Cow and calf killed after attack in park

A cow that attacked two people in a south Auckland park has been put down, along with its eight-month-old calf.

Cliff McMahon intervened when a woman was attacked by a protective herd in Totara Park, yesterday afternoon. He was trampled by the cattle and suffered moderate injuries. 

McMahon is a Vietnam war veteran and former Special Air Service soldier, the New Zealand Herald has revealed. It understands the Manurewa RSA president had surgery today at Middlemore Hospital.

It's the second attack in 18 years at the park.

Farm manager Peter Linton said the animals were allowed to roam near the park’s recreational trails and, in the other case, the animal was antagonised.

Auckland Council head of parks services Mark Bowater said staff visited Totara Park first thing this morning and provided assistance to Linton.

“We worked with them to identify an individual cow being overly protective of her calf.

“During calving season, cows are typically very protective of their calves and do not like people to get near them,” Bowater said.

“We recommend anyone who chooses to go in parts of our parks with cows is extra careful during calving season, as it is a cow’s natural instinct to protect their calves.

“Over this time people should keep their distance from cows, and ensure they never come between them and their calves.”

National RSA chief executive Jack Steer said it is always a shock to hear one “of your team being injured”.

He had been in touch with a friend of Cliff’s and was told he was feeling okay and not keen on a fuss being made of him and requested privacy.

“Cliff is a great guy, it’s no surprise he has helped someone out when they needed it, he’s just that kind of person. We wish him well for his recovery.”

Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Daniel Newman questioned whether the cow should have been there under the Reserve Licensing agreement.

"Clause 12.1 of the agreement states that the licensee may during the term graze cattle and sheep only on the land and for no other purposes. That clause prescribes that cattle must be de-horned and to a maximum of two years of age. Bulls are prohibited from grazing on the land at any time," he said.

"I have written to seek clarification of the age of the cow that was being grazed at Totara Park. Taking into account and maturity of cattle before breeding as well as normal gestation, it is unclear whether the cow was over the maximum age stipulated in the Reserve Licence agreement.

"Indeed, the approximate age of all grazing cattle at Totara Park needs to be clarified. I have also clarification as to whether a bull has been grazing on the land in question."