Social media users were shocked on Friday after footage emerged of a police officer ramming his patrol car into an escaped cow that had been roaming the streets of Staines-upon-Thames.
in statement Following massive protests on Saturday, police in Surrey, England, tried to justify their decision to have an officer drive his vehicle into an out-of-control cow, running it over twice.
Police said they received reports of the cow escaping in public areas, damaging vehicles and running towards members of the public, and spent hours “trying various methods to safely capture the cow.”
However, after this failed, the officer decided to use his car as a battering ram to neutralise the cow, hitting it twice and eventually forcing it under the front of his car.
Footage of the incident posted on social media sparked widespread backlash against police, with Home Secretary James Cleverley write“I do not believe there is a reasonable need for this step. I have asked for a full and immediate explanation on this matter. It seems unnecessarily heavy-handed.”
Police tried to stop the escaped cow by ramming a car into it in Feltham, west London. pic.twitter.com/kRTnGRr5SH
— UB1UB2 West London (Southall) (@UB1UB2) June 15, 2024
The incident has been referred to the Professional Standards Office for investigation and the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been notified.
Police said the cow’s injuries, which included a large gash on its leg, have been assessed by a veterinarian, who will continue to monitor the animal’s recovery.
Detective Chief Inspector Sam Adcock Said “We understand this has caused distress to people and we appreciate the concern of local residents. The decision to use patrol vehicles was only taken after other methods of stopping the cows had failed,” the statement said.
“The actions which led to this incident will be investigated but our focus remains always on ensuring the safety of the public.”
“There is video circulating of this incident and we understand it may be distressing to members of the public. We would ask that you send these videos directly to us to assist with our investigation.”
