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Was ramming escaped cow the only way to keep public safe?

Philip Case 17 June 2024
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© Surrey Police© Surrey Police

Questions are being asked over the police handling of a fugitive cow in a Surrey residential street.

Disturbing footage shared on social media shows the 10-month-old calf, Beau Lucy, being rammed twice by a police car in Staines-upon-Thames on Friday night (14 June).

Surrey Police said the officer who was driving the car has been removed from frontline duties, pending the outcome of an investigation. The force has referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

See also: 10 tips for safe cattle handling during TB testing

Surrey farmer and former Farmers Weekly podcast host Hugh Broom described the incident as “a very tricky situation”.

He said: “It’s a really unfortunate set of circumstances. While the whole incident looks horrendous, I think the police did the best they could on the day.

“It seems like the animal had been out a few hours on its own. It would be stressed up, with stressed people around it.

“Had a 200kg animal killed or seriously injured a child, then people would be asking: ‘Why didn’t the police officers just run it over with a truck?’

“I believe the best outcome was achieved. No one was injured and the animal survived, albeit with a cut leg.”

He added: “The police could have considered calling someone there with a tranquiliser dart to drop it [the calf]. But maybe no one was available?

“But if you get the dose wrong, you can distress the animal or even kill it.”

Mr Broom, who is also NFU East Livestock Board chairman, suggested police forces should also keep a register of local cattle owners so they can contact the owner more quickly when these incidents occur.

NFU reaction

Commenting on the incident, NFU deputy president David Exwood said: “The video footage has appalled all farmers who strive to look after their animals, whatever the circumstances.

“We don’t know the full story behind this incident, but farm animals escaping will happen and there has to be a better way of dealing with it than repeatedly ramming with a vehicle.”

In a statement, Surrey Police said the calf is back with her owner and recuperating with her herd.

Deputy chief constable Nev Kemp said the calf suffered a large cut to one leg and cuts and grazes. “She continues to be monitored by a vet and our rural officers are staying in contact with the owner for updates,” he added.

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