Surrey Police officers used their vehicle to ram an escaped cow in the suburbs of west London last night.
Video footage of the horrific incident has been uploaded to social media. I'd advise caution before viewing.
A statement released by Surrey Police said: "Yesterday evening (14th June), at around 8:55pm, we received reports that a cow was running loose in Staines-upon-Thames. The cow ran onto a number of main roads and caused traffic disruption within the local area. Fortunately, the cow has not caused injuries to anyone.
"Whilst attempting to move the cow to safety, it became increasingly distressed and was injured. The cow is now secure within a park in the local area, and officers are remaining with it while we await the arrival of a vet."
Chief Inspector Adam Tatton said: "We know that this has caused some distress within the local community this evening, and I would like to reassure you that we are doing all we can to identify the owners and ensure the cow is seen as quickly as possible by a vet.
"Our priority when responding to any incident is first and foremost the safety of the public. I would like to thank the community for their understanding this evening, and ask that they stay away from the park while officers are on scene."
Having seen the video, I would be astounded if the animal survives.
Cows, although not instinctively aggressive, can pose a risk if they are distressed or protecting their young. They are naturally quite intelligent, affectionate and gentle creatures.
Cows can run very quickly, but on a narrow residential street, like that shown in the video, they certainly couldn't out-manoeuvre an able bodied person.
It would appear this cow has escaped from its field and gone for a run around the suburbs, placing road users at some risk. It must be stressed, however, that no-one has been injured as a result of its escape.
The 30 second clip shows the animal passively walking down the road. In that moment, granted only a small snapshot, it does not display any signs of aggression or further flight.
The video then shows a Surrey Police (Home Office force 45, shown on the roof marking) Ford Ranger revving its engine and accelerating into the rear end of the animal, instantly knocking it to the ground and causing it to slide along the abrasive road surface.
As the dazed animal struggles back to its feet the same vehicle then pulls forward and proceeds to run over its head and neck, the vehicle coming to rest with the cow trapped beneath it.
These are truly horrific scenes. There is no doubt the animal suffered, having experienced such barbaric treatment.
Serious questions needs to be asked of the police officer driving that vehicle. What exactly made them think taking such drastic action was justified, necessary and proportionate? What information had been conveyed to the control room Inspector, who presumably authorised vehicular contact with the animal?
There are potentially serious animal welfare offences here and the law applies equally to everyone.
I'll leave it there, but I think you can deduce my feelings on the topic.
Update (16/6/24): More details are emerging about the animal involved in this incident. The 10-month-old breeding heifer, named Beau Lucy, has remarkably managed to escape any broken bones, but does have several deep lacerations. Video footage has now emerged showing the shaken animal extracate itself from under the police vehicle and trot into a nearby garden.
Speaking to Sky News, the unnamed farmer's partner said that the heifer is being closely monitored and may still succumb to shock. She is calling for the dismissal of the police officer concerned.
Update (16/6/24): Surrey Police has confirmed that the officer who drove at the animal has been removed from frontline duties pending an investigation.
Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp said: "I fully appreciate the distress our handling of this incident has caused and will ensure that it is thoroughly and diligently investigated. In addition to an internal referral to our Professional Standards Department, we have also referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for independent consideration."
Full statement on Surrey Police website.
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