Surrey Police appoint themselves as watchdog following cow cart incident

Warning: this article contains images that may be disturbing to some people.

Surrey Police said it would refer to the police complaints watchdog following an incident in which a cow was deliberately hit twice by a response vehicle.

The force said in a statement that after attempts to safely capture the cow “for several hours” failed, “the decision was taken to arrest it using a police car.” .

Home Secretary James Cleverly said he would seek urgent explanations, calling the actions “heavy-handed”.

The RSPCA said the police response, which saw the animal hit twice by a marked vehicle in Staines-on-Thames, “appears disproportionate”.

Footage shared online shows a marked vehicle hitting the cow, which appears stunned and tries to get up, before being hit a second time.

In the 26-second video, bystanders can be heard reacting in shock as the cow is hit by the vehicle.

An eyewitness told BBC News the incident was “distressing for everyone who saw it.”

Adrian Pearson said: “I think it could have been handled better. The way the police handled the situation is quite extreme.

“I think it could have been handled in a much more humane way. I think it was quite distressing for everyone.”

The animal was examined by a veterinarian and is being treated for a significant cut to its leg, Surrey Police said.

“This matter has been referred to our Professional Standards Department.

“The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been informed and a voluntary referral will be made in due course,” the force said in a statement.

Tatton Inspector Sam Adcock added: “The decision to use the police car was only made after other methods to stop the cow had failed. »

The force confirmed the incident took place in Staines-upon-Thames shortly before 9:00 p.m. BST on Friday evening.

He said: “The cow ran across several main roads and caused traffic disruption in the local area.

“As she attempted to get the cow to safety, she became increasingly distressed and was injured.”

The responding officers “were extremely concerned for the safety of the public and, over several hours, tried several options to safely capture the cow,” he added.

The RSPCA said: “Surrey Police referred to its own Professional Standards Department and the Independent Office for Police Conduct.

“We support this measure as this measure seems disproportionate to the situation. We will be happy to contribute to any investigation carried out.”

Mr Cleverly, writing about X, said: “I see no reasonable necessity for this action.

“I have requested a full and urgent explanation on this matter.

“This seems to be unnecessarily harsh.”

Wildlife campaigner and presenter Chris Packham said: “I don’t know where to start with this.

“But it is surely illegal and must be investigated and prosecuted.

“What kind of monster pokes a calf? Twice?”