Recently, police in Surrey have come under fire for using a controversial tactic to subdue an escaped 10-month-old calf.  Footage of the incident shows the animal wandering in the street before an officer in a police SUV accelerates toward the cow, striking it.

The aggressive collision sent the farm animal flying down the street, appearing injured and struggling to regain balance.  The squad car proceeded to drive over the animal, immobilizing it while other officers surrounded the calf.

Subsequently, the clip went viral on social media, and authorities faced substantial backlash for the seemingly inhuman method of corralling the cow.  Many suggested hitting the animal with a large vehicle was extremely harsh, where something such as a rope or tranquilizer dart could have been employed.

Conservative commentator Paul Szypula commented under the video, “They couldn’t have just used a rope to humanely bring the cow away?”  User Michael D added, “For real, this could have been done safely. No need to be brutal like that. What a joke.”

Following the incident, the officer driving the vehicle that hit the cow has been removed from his “frontline duties” while an investigation is conducted.  Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp stated, “At this time, the officer who was driving the police car has been removed from frontline duties pending the outcome of these investigations.”

Furthermore, the young calf’s owner, Rob, expressed his dismay at the incident, noting that it “was painful viewing and it should have been handled in a different manner.”  Fortunately, reports indicate that the animal is recovering from the injuries sustained in the collision.

“I don’t understand why (the police) didn’t use a tranquilising dart … If they used a tranquilising dart the animal would have calmed right down and gone over (the car) if they needed to get a halter on it or restrain it.”  He added that he cow, named Beau Lucy, is doing “a lot better.” However, he clarified, “Time will tell because we don’t know what internal injuries she might have … But she’s eating so there’s always promise when there’s that.”  Watch captured footage of the incident below:

Kemp added, “I know there is much concern around the current welfare of the cow. She is now back with her owner and recuperating with her herd. She did sustain a large cut to one leg and cuts and grazes.  She continues to be monitored by a vet and our rural officers are staying in contact with the owner for updates.”

The deputy chief constable further explained how the police will be handling the controversial incident.  He added: “I fully appreciate the distress our handling of this incident has caused and will ensure that it is thoroughly and diligently investigated.  In addition to an internal referral to our Professional Standards Department, we have also referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for independent consideration.  I have also briefed the Home Office on what action we are taking and we are liaising with several animal charities that have been in touch with us about this incident.”

Note:  The featured image is a screenshot from the embedded video.