Police in Reading defend actions over loose cow
Police used a Police car to stop the frightened animal
Last updated 17th May 2021
Thames Valley Police have defended deliberately knocking down a cow which was on the loose in a residential suburb of Reading.
The cow was first spotted on a road near to the A329M at around 7.40pm on Thursday night . and then moved to a residential area of Woodley.
The Police say it had caused damage to cars and was becoming a growing danger to the public.
A Police officer and a member of the public suffered minor injuries trying to control it.
They say despite efforts by Police and the farmer it belonged to it was becoming increasingly distressed and eventually a Police car was used, in their words, 'to stop it’.
Police say it was then humanely euthanised at the scene.
There was a strong reaction to some of the video being shared.
Police statement:
"Despite efforts of both the police and the farmer to whom the animal belonged, the cow could not be safely brought under control.
"The cow became increasing distressed and charged at a member of the public causing her minor injury, as well as causing injuries to a TVP officer and damage to vehicles .
"Officers subsequently used a police vehicle to stop the cow and prevent it from charging towards other members of the public. After all other options including tranquillisation were precluded, the cow was humanely euthanised at the scene by a private company.
"This decision whilst not taken lightly, was necessary to limit the suffering of the animal, to prevent further injury and to ensure the safety of the public. The injured Thames Valley Police officer has since been discharged from hospital and is recovering at home.
"We understand that there are some distressing videos circulating on social media relating to this incident, however we would like to reassure people that these measures were necessary and were only taken due to the need to protect the public, and were carried out in a way to minimise suffering to the animal."