Cambridge City Council has been forced to adopt a high-tech solution to stop cows grazing on common land from falling into the River Cam.
The solar-powered GPS collars introduced by the local authority are programmed to prevent cattle edging too close to the river through an alarm sound and a mild electric shock.
By training the cows to respond to the audio warning, the council hopes the animals will learn to turn around and avoid falling into the river. Each grazing season sees roughly two to four cows fall into the River Cam, and the council’s 24-hour cattle rescue service costs approximately £10,000 per year to run.
Martin Smart, executive councillor for open space and city services at Cambridge city council, said: ‘The council recognises the symbolic importance of the cows grazing on the commons.
‘In response to residents confirming their support for cows grazing on the commons, the council committed to continue to fund grazing and improved animal welfare with a technology that keeps the cows from falling into the river’, he added.
