Q&A for How to Handle Bulls Safely and Responsibly

Yes, it would, preferably an area that has a much sturdier fence than a single or double strand of hot wire. First thing you didn't do right was train him on the hot-wire. Second was putting him in a place that wasn't going to hold him to allow him to settle in. Start by studying his flight or pressure zone when he starts reacting to your presence. In a 10' x 20' pen he can't get away from you, and he's acting in a way that is defensive to him towards you, the threat. Start by working with him from outside the pen, or the bigger corral, training him with pressure and release. Look up handling cattle by Bud Williams to get started on proper handling of cattle, which does not exclude bulls.

Get rid of him. If those are his daughters he's trying to get at to breed, he needs to go. Get a neighbor to help load him and ship him to the sale barn if need be. It's no use keeping a bull around that won't respect fences or is proving too costly to keep.

First, consider whether there's anything you may be doing wrong, unconsciously, that is instigating their aggression. They could be in a pen that is much smaller than their flight zone, and you are invading that flight zone when you walk into their pen. They may be dairy bulls that are going to be aggressive no matter what you do. You could try to spend more time with them: read to them; sit nearby, just outside their pen, and talk to them. It will take time and patience to get them to realize you aren't a threat.

Anywhere except his forehead.

Just don't pat whatsoever, but particularly the first mentioned area should be avoided. Scratching (not patting) behind the ears is fine, and down to his cheek and under his chin is good.

Almost as fast as a horse; 35 to 40 km/h. Which is faster than even the fastest human can run.

Somewhat yes, but it depends on the bull, and the men or women. If a bull is already aggressive, he won't be particular about whether it's a man or woman he will go after. He could be more trouble for a woman if she's having her period and is wearing a pad versus a tampon; bulls can smell the pheromones from a human female. He may think she "in heat" and be more interested in her than he should be. Overall though, men do tend to be a little more aggressive and a bull may see them more as a rival than if it were a woman. But there are also women who can be as aggressive and a bull may see her as a rival, too. The reverse is also true for either gender.

Two things: Get photos of the bull out in your yard, and the damage he has caused; if you have photos with a time stamp, the more the better. Also, record when he got out. Second, contact the local sheriff or police department and your lawyer. If you feel you need to call the SPCA, do so as well. You need to do things strategically so that you avoid too much confrontation with your neighbor, but your neighbor gets the point about allowing his bull to continue to escape.