Outcry as police mow down runaway cow in the street

A video showing a police car striking an escaped cow has sparked outrage among the public, with the disturbing footage quickly going viral. The incident took place in Feltham, West London, where officers attempted to prevent the animal from roaming the streets by hitting it with their vehicle.

The shocking footage shows a police van colliding with the cow, leaving it sprawled on the road struggling to stand up. The officers then hit the cow again, trapping its head under the front of the vehicle.

Members of the public, appalled by the incident, are now demanding an investigation and calling for the force to hold the officers involved in the ramming accountable. Surrey Police released a statement regarding the escaped cow, stating: "On the evening of 14 June, at around 8:55pm, we received reports that a cow was running loose in Staines-upon-Thames.

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"Throughout the evening, the cow roamed freely on several main roads. During this time, we received multiple calls from the public reporting damage to a car and the cow charging at people. Given these reports, officers were extremely concerned about public safety, and over several hours tried various methods to safely capture the cow."

"Unfortunately, these were unsuccessful, and the decision was made to stop it using a police car," reports the Mirror. Surrey Police added: "This matter has been referred to our Professional Standards Department. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has been notified and a voluntary referral will be made in due course."

The statement also confirmed that a vet is currently attending to the cow. A short video clip posted on Twitter/X, which may lack context of the officer's actions before the recording, left members of the public shocked as they watched officers ram their vehicle into the fleeing animal.

Chris Packham commented: "I don't know where to start with this. But it's surely illegal and must be investigated and prosecuted. What sort of monster rams a calf? Twice?"

Other social media users were deeply upset by the incident, with one person stating the video "had me in tears". Another said: "This was totally unnecessary and totally above the force needed relevant to the risk. " A third added: "That's so unnecessary and sick frankly."

Chief Inspector Sam Adcock stated: "I know that this has caused distress and I'd like to thank the community for their concern. The decision to use the police car is one that was only taken after other methods to stop the cow had failed.

"There will be an investigation into the actions that led to this, but our focus at all times is on ensuring the safety of the public. I know there are videos circulating of this incident, which the public may find distressing. I would ask that these videos are sent directly to us to help with our investigation."

The Home Secretary James Cleverly has demanded an "urgent explanation" regarding the situation. He posted on X: "I can think of no reasonable need for this action. I've asked for a full, urgent explanation for this. It appears to be unnecessarily heavy handed."

Animal Rising Co-Founder and Co-Director, Dan Kidby, expressed his shock: "The video of police running over Beau not once, but twice, has horrified the nation. There is absolutely no excuse for treating any animal like this and we're calling for their urgent rehoming in sanctuary.

"Beau deserves to live out the rest of their life in peace, not end up - yet another - victim of farming animals. We're imploring the animal-loving British public to step forward, sign our petition, and demand Surrey Police release Beau into caring hands.

"Like all animals in the farming industry, Beau simply seeks freedom, safety, and a loving home - we stand ready to ensure it at a moments notice."