Home Secretary Demands Answers After Police Car Rams Cow Twice
Shocking video has emerged showing a police car deliberately hitting a loose cow not once, but twice. The disturbing footage, which went viral on social media this morning, shows the animal knocked down and dragged metres along the road. As the cow struggles to get up, the police vehicle speeds in again, striking it a second time. The cow’s head and torso appear trapped under the front of the police car as two officers exit. Meanwhile, a second police car waits nearby.
Surrey Police Refer Themselves to Watchdog After Controversial Incident
Surrey Police have launched a self-referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) following the backlash. The force explained that after hours of failed attempts to safely capture the runaway cow in Staines-upon-Thames, officers decided to use a police car to stop the animal. The cow was later moved to a nearby farm with local help.
Public Outcry and Official Condemnation
Home Secretary James Cleverly slammed the action, tweeting: “I can think of no reasonable need for this action. I’ve asked for a full, urgent explanation. It appears to be unnecessarily heavy handed.”
The RSPCA called the footage “upsetting and distressing,” confirming they contacted Surrey Police urgently after learning of the incident. The animal charity stressed that “all animals should be treated with respect” and demanded a kinder approach.
TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham blasted the police on X, writing: “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?”
Investigation Underway as Police Seek Witnesses
Chief Inspector Sam Adcock acknowledged the public’s outrage, stating: “The decision to use the police car was only taken after other methods failed. There will be an investigation into the actions, but our focus is always on public safety.”
Surrey Police have asked the public to come forward with any videos or information relating to the “distressing” incident to aid the investigation.
