Surrey’s Police and Crime Commissioner has stated that media speculation surrounding officers’ decision to hit a loose cow with their car “does not necessarily reflect the situation” they were in. Video footage captured a police vehicle hitting the animal twice in a South West London street, receiving criticism from animal welfare groups and Home Secretary. However, Surrey Police stated that the decision was made out of concern for public safety.
Following the event, Surrey PCC Lisa Townsend said “There is much speculation on social media, which does not necessarily reflect the situation which was ongoing for a number of hours or the difficult decisions facing officers on the ground at the time.” She has requested time for the incident to be properly reviewed before any further speculation or concern is brought to the community.
The partner of the cow’s farmer expressed her shock towards the video footage and stated that “It looked like they tried to kill it.” In response to the backlash, the force has self-referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct. The cow has been transported to a nearby farm and has suffered from a severe leg wound.
On Saturday, Home Secretary James Cleverley criticised the action taken on social media platform Twitter stating “I can think of no reasonable need for this action” and requested an explanation of the “heavy-handed” action. The RSPCA has also expressed that the police response “appears disproportionate to the situation.
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