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The calf is trapped under the car. Image credit: X / UB1UB2
WARNING: This video contains violence against animals.
this Home Secretary Request for urgent explanation Police Officer It hit a cow that was charging around a residential area.
James Cleverley condemned the action as “unnecessary and overly harsh” after the video showed the police car running over the animal twice.
Surrey Police has launched an internal investigation into the incident and has pledged to refer the matter to Independent police oversight body.
Television presenter and naturalist Chris Packham described the officers involved in the incident as “monsters”.
The incident happened late on Friday night when police were called to reports the cow was on the rampage in Staines-upon-Thames.
Surrey Police said the cow had been on the run “all throughout” the evening, including on main roads, where they received reports that it had hit a car and charged at pedestrians.
One video showed the animal trotting down a residential street before being hit from behind by a police four-wheel drive vehicle and falling to the ground.
The cow can then be seen struggling to stand up. However, before it can stand up, the vehicle approaches at a slower speed and clamps its head and upper body with its left front wheel.
Surrey Police said in a statement that officers had made several unsuccessful attempts to capture the cow over the course of several hours.
The report said police had “extreme concerns” for the safety of the public.
WARNING: Video contains swearing and violence against animals.
Police said the cow had “significant cuts” to its legs and was being examined by a veterinarian.
Still, Cleverley, who is ultimately responsible for policing, voiced his concerns via X, formerly Twitter.
“I do not believe there is a reasonable necessity for this action,” he said. “I demand a full and urgent explanation for this.
“This seems like an unnecessarily draconian measure.”
Responding to the video, BBC presenter Packham said on Channel X: “I don’t know where to begin.
“But it is certainly illegal and must be investigated and prosecuted.
“What kind of monster hits a calf? Twice?”
Another user called the action “completely unnecessary”, adding: “This is a runaway cow, not a criminal.”
Police said it had referred the incident to the Professional Standards Unit and informed the Independent Office for Police Conduct, and would make a voluntary referral “when appropriate”.
Chief Inspector Sam Adcock said: “I know this has caused distress and I would like to thank the community for their concern. The decision to use the police car was taken only after other methods of stopping the cows failed. We will investigate the actions that led to this but our focus is always on ensuring the safety of the public.
“I am aware that there is video circulating of this incident which may be distressing to the public. I would urge people to send these videos directly to us to assist us with our investigation.”
Police previously said the cow had been held in a local park.
The animal’s owner has been found.
Zoologist and wildlife presenter Megan McCubbin said: “This is one of the most heartbreaking and disgusting things I have ever seen…
“I hope the driver of this police car will face the consequences for his horrific actions.
“That poor animal.”
If police actions result in a member of the public being seriously injured or killed while in custody, following an encounter with a police officer, following a police shooting or in a road traffic incident involving police officers, police forces are required to refer the incident to the IPOC.
Such incidents can also be referred if police have concerns about an officer’s conduct.
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