Injured cow mowed down by Surrey police officer given idyllic new home after escaping from breeding farm

An injured cow repeatedly mowed down by a police car has been offered an “idyllic” retirement home at a nearby wildlife sanctuary.

The shocking incident took place in Staines-upon-Thames on Friday evening when the cow was hit several times by a Surrey Police 4×4.

Officers said this was done to protect the public after spending two hours trying to capture the animal after it escaped from its pasture about five miles from where the incident took place. place.

But witnesses and animal rights activists said the cow posed no danger to anyone and that the situation was completely mishandled.

Today, the Retreat Animal Sanctuary offered to rehome the 10-month-old breeding heifer named Beau Lucy, who was left with a “large gash” on her leg and superficial injuries.

While she is now being cared for on her farm and has received veterinary care, Billy H Thompson, founder and director of the sanctuary, said they would like to offer Beau a full life in a sanctuary after her ordeal.

He said he could “absolutely” take the little one in and offered a glimpse of what life she might have at the sanctuary.

“We have long, lush grasses and shady pastures under mature oak trees – it’s all very idyllic,” he said of the Kent-based facility.

“We have 18 cows living with us. These are two distinct herds, and they are all terribly individual with incredible personalities, just like dogs and cats.

“I think when we talk about these things the general British public understands it completely. Even those who are not vegetarians or vegans will want this cow rehomed.

“I would love to see this little calf abandoned in an animal sanctuary. This would be a dream come true for me.

Thompson noted that this is not the first time a cow has been forcibly hit by a police car in order to apprehend it.

As reported Berkshire livea similar incident took place in 2021 when a cow was deliberately mowed down by Thames Valley Police just off the A3290.

The incident sparked similar public outrage, with Facebook user Natalie Shaw writing: “The police should be investigated, there was no need at all to report the matter like that . »

Thompson believes the Staines-upon-Thames cow could have been easily apprehended without the use of force.

He added: “The little thing was terrified. Even with a fearful animal, you can still be kind and push it where you want it to go.

“No one was really at risk – it was a very small calf. The police could have gotten out of their car, raised their arms and very kindly taken him somewhere.

“It’s so disappointing. We are supposed to be a nation of animal lovers.

The cow’s owner, Rob, and his partner, Kate, echoed these thoughts and agreed that the police involved did not know enough about the farm animals to handle the situation properly.

Kate said Beau Lucy was “really scared” and “agitated” when she returned to him.

She said the animal was simply “frightened” at the time of the police incident and posed no danger to the public when it was repeatedly rammed by police.

“Honestly, when I saw the video, I thought he should lose his job. I just thought it was disgusting, I couldn’t believe it,” she said.

“I don’t know if it was his decision to rush towards the animal or if he was ordered to do so, but the police officers, when they got out of the car, looked rather agitated themselves.

“I can only imagine the police who did this had no idea about farm animals.”

Although there is no suggestion that the Staines farm from which the calf escaped meets high ethical and welfare standards, some are now calling for Beau Lucy to live longer elsewhere.

The sanctuary founder explained that as a 10-month-old beef cow, Beau Lucy will likely be slaughtered next year, when she is 22 months old.

The Humane League reports that a cow’s natural lifespan is 15 to 20 years.

Thompson’s opinion on what should happen to the cow was echoed by PETA, which said The independent that the animal must be rehoused “urgently”.

Elisa Allen, PETA’s vice president of programs, said: “The young calf must have been completely terrified and confused when he was cruelly and forcefully mowed down – by a police car no less – and pinned to the ground.

“Nothing justifies this violence. The police are supposed to protect, not harm.

“An investigation into the actions of the officers involved must be undertaken urgently and the calf must be safely repatriated to a sanctuary. »

Following the shocking incident, Surrey Police released a statement revealing that an officer involved in the incident has been stood down from public service pending an investigation.

The RSPCA also offered to work with the police force to better equip them to deal with farm animals.

The independent has contacted Surrey Police and Thames Valley Police for further comment.