Cows cause traffic chaos: 35 animals on the loose in Neumünster!

Cows cause traffic chaos: 35 animals on the loose in Neumünster!

Schleswig-Holstein, a region known for its idyllic pastures and cows, was at the center of an unexpected spectacle today. On July 11, 2025, 35 cows escaped from a pasture in Neumünster and caused quite a turbulence in rail traffic. Luckily, the incident was minor and the animals ended safely.

The incident was noticed by an attentive Northern Railway train driver, who spotted the animals on the tracks in good time and immediately raised the alarm. This resulted in a slow down command being issued for all trains passing through to avoid further complications. A police patrol immediately started looking for the fleeing cattle.

The search for the cows

The officials were lucky: They found 20 cows on a farm road near Aukrug. These were safely driven back to an adjacent pasture. The police discovered the remaining 15 cows near a railway crossing. To prevent such incidents, the animal owner responsible, a 55-year-old man, was asked to repair his fence immediately and is now facing legal consequences for inadequate fencing.

Such incidents involving cattle traveling are increasing in Schleswig-Holstein. [schleswig-holstein-pur] reports an incident from 2021 when a bull was shot in Trittau because he was considered an acute danger. Likewise, a farmer in Groß Steinrade died after being attacked by another bull. These unfortunate events highlight the safety concerns associated with escaped cattle. The incidents last year in which young bulls held up the A7 or Highland cattle caused a stir in Flensburg also show how serious the situation is.

What to do with cattle?

It is especially important in such moments to understand the instincts and behavior of cattle. [livestock husbandry] emphasizes that calm and respectful interaction is essential to avoid stress on the animals. Frantic movements and loud noises can cause cows to become uncontrollable. Farmers and animal handlers should be trained on how to safely handle cattle to avoid dangerous situations. Knowledge about the needs of animals is also important.

The excitement surrounding the 35 cows in Neumünster shows how important it is to take safety measures. It is not just the welfare of the animals that is at stake; Human lives and traffic flow are also significantly affected when cattle wander uncontrolled. It is time for farmers and authorities to work together to find solutions to avoid similar situations in the future.

These incidents remind us that, despite understanding rural life, a responsible attitude is also required to ensure safety - for both people and animals.

For further information on the incidents and the treatment of cattle, visit the articles from [n-tv], [schleswig-holstein-pur] and [farm animal husbandry].