Home Secretary Demands Urgent Explanation After Police Car Rams Cow Twice
A shocking video showing a Surrey Police car deliberately hitting a cow twice has sparked outrage across the UK. The distressing footage, shared on social media this morning, shows the cow being struck and sliding along a road in Staines-upon-Thames before being hit again as it tried to stand up.
James Cleverly Slams Police Action as ‘Unnecessarily Heavy-Handed’
Home Secretary James Cleverly spoke out on X, expressing disbelief at the incident. “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,” he said, demanding swift answers.
Surrey Police Defend Officers, Cite Public Safety Concerns
Surrey Police responded saying officers were called at around 8:55pm on Friday after reports of a loose cow damaging vehicles and charging towards people. The force said:
“Officers tried various methods over several hours to capture the cow safely. When these failed, the decision was made to stop it using a police car.”
Police confirmed the animal was a calf, which sustained only a minor cut and no broken bones. It has now been moved to a nearby farm and is expected to recover fully. The farmer, unaware of the calf’s escape until today, is now focused on calming the animal.
Animal Rights Groups and Celebs Condemn Police’s ‘Distressing’ Action
The RSPCA called the footage “upsetting and distressing,” stressing that “all animals should be treated with respect.”
TV presenter and conservationist Chris Packham has called for a full investigation and prosecution of the officers involved, labelling the incident “appalling.”
Professional Standards and IOPC Launch Investigation
The case has been referred to Surrey Police’s professional standards department. The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has also been notified, with a voluntary referral expected soon.
This shocking episode has reignited debate about police use of force, especially in delicate situations involving animals. The public now waits as investigations unfold, demanding accountability for what many see as a heavy-handed approach.
