New Delhi: A disturbing video circulating online has ignited public outrage and prompted a demand for answers from British authorities. The footage depicts a police car in Staines-upon-Thames deliberately ramming an escaped cow, sparking widespread condemnation.Horrific incident captured on videoThe graphic clip shows a marked Surrey Police vehicle repeatedly ramming a cow that had wandered onto a residential street. The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, was filmed by a local resident. The resident, who shared the video on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), mistakenly stated the location as Feltham, west London. However, authorities clarified that the incident took place in Staines-upon-Thames, a few miles to the west.Animal welfare concerns and public furyThe video shows the bewildered cow being struck twice by the police car. The first impact knocks the animal down, but it manages to get back up. However, the car rams it again, leaving the cow lying on the ground. Witnesses can be heard expressing shock and questioning the polices actions.Chris Packham speaks outThe incident has sparked outrage from animal rights activists and the public alike. Renowned wildlife presenter and conservationist Chris Packham took to social media, expressing his disgust: I dont know where to start with this. But its surely illegal and must be investigated and prosecuted. What sort of monster rams a calf TwiceI dont know where to start with this . But its surely illegal and must be investigated and prosecuted . What sort of monster rams a calf Twice https://t.co/Frd1tzXmZy— Chris Packham (@ChrisGPackham) June 15, 2024Home Secretary demands answersThe incident has also drawn the attention of high-ranking officials. Home Secretary James Cleverly took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to demand a full and immediate explanation from Surrey Police. I can think of no reasonable need for this action, Cleverly wrote. Ive asked for a full, urgent explanation for this. It appears to be unnecessarily heavy-handed.Surrey Police respondsSurrey Police confirmed that they received reports of a loose cow in Staines-upon-Thames at approximately 8:55 p.m. on Friday, June 14. However, they havent yet provided a detailed explanation for their actions on the scene.Unanswered questions and ongoing investigationThe incident has raised serious concerns about the tactics used by Surrey Police in dealing with escaped animals. The animals welfare and the justification for such a forceful approach are key questions demanding answers. The public awaits a full explanation from the authorities, and an investigation is likely underway.
