A UK rancher is planning to breed less photogenic cows to end the nonstop harassment of his herd by social media influencers and tourists seeking selfies and videos.
Alex Birch, 39, runs a 300-acre cattle farm in Baslow Edge, Derbyshire, in the Peak District. He says his shaggy Highland cattle have become a magnet for crowds who hug the animals, pull their tails, film yoga videos beside them and even leave bags of vegetables to feed them.
“My cows don’t get any peace,” Birch told the BBC. “If I had my way I would ban the people. But the people won’t go away, so I need to remove what’s attracting them to the cattle.”
To solve the problem, Birch intends to cross his Highland cattle with the whitebred shorthorn, a hardy hill breed he describes as “not photogenic” and hornless. The change will take about six years. He is not making the decision lightly; his grandfather, David Thorp, introduced the Highland breed to the family farm in the 1970s and is not particularly happy about the plan but understands the need.
The intrusions have created real safety concerns. Highland cattle are unpredictable and can kick hard or charge when upset. The Peak District National Park Authority has warned visitors against hugging or approaching the animals, especially those with calves, because of the risk of being trampled or attacked.
Birch worries that a tourist injury could lead to legal action against him.The story gained attention after Birch spoke publicly about the issue, highlighting a growing trend of TikTok and Instagram users treating farm animals as props. While he has reported some of the viral videos, the platforms have not removed them.
The plan has sparked conversation online about balancing tourism, animal welfare and rural life. No injuries or incidents involving Birch’s cattle have been reported.
