Don't Scratch the Bull's Forehead

Feilding Star, Volume XIV, Issue 111, 9 March 1893, Page 4

Don't Scratch the Bull's Forehead

Never scratch a bull on the lorehead, even though the action may be intended as a caress. Ignorance of this seemingly small fact in connection with the management of stock has often led to serious consequences, and very probably has been the cause of loss of life. The bull is naturally a belligerent animal, and will usually j fight on the smallest provocation, j It is an instinct with him, and doxnestication will never eradicate the trait. In this country the bull that is allowed to roam at large with a herd of cows is not often dangerous, but the animal that is kept penned up in a stall, or only given the run of a small paddock should never be trusted by strangers, and not infrequently will turn savagely upon the attendant without any apparent cause. It has been said that the only safe bull is a dead bull, and although this may not be absolutely true, no|liberties should be taken with an animal that is kept wholly or partially in confinement. Petting has often much to do with rousing the fighting iustinct in a bull. Scratching or rubbing a bull on the forehead is almost equivalent to striking a man in the face, and yet it is one of the most common as well as one of the most mischievous practices indulged in by those who have not studied bovine nature. Visitors to agricultural shows very frequently err in this manner, and in the case of imported bulls, sailors on board ship teach them bad habits, although the mischief is probably done unwittingly. The bull that is always ready to show fight seldom does much harm, because the attendant is always on his guard and visitors are afraid to moddle with him. It is the animal that is as 'kind as a kitten' that in the least expected moment turns man killer. Bulls, as well as stallions, in this country seem, to be naturally more docile and easily managed than in the old country ; but, nevertheless, many sad accidents have occurred principally owing to over confidence in the kindly disposition of the animals. Stroking a horse's head is a way to gain his confidence, but the same action to a bull almost invariably rouses his ire. The practice should never be permitted, as indulgence in it simply means courting a catastrophe sooner or later.