Police officers were found to have acted appropriately when they had to shoot a “highly aggressive” cow charging towards a busy A4 dual carriageway, according to a recent report. The tense moment unfolded when emergency calls alerted the authorities to a rogue cow on the Old Eglish Road near Dungannon in May. Traffic was halted, and both armed officers and eight veterinary experts arrived to deal with the situation. Despite their best efforts, the cow’s aggression was deemed too dangerous, and humanely euthanising it became the only viable option to ensure public safety.
Bodycam and police vehicle footage confirmed that officers did everything by the book, with the decision to shoot being guided by operational guidance and veterinary advice. The Ombudsman praised the officers for maintaining public safety and preventing the animal from suffering unnecessarily.
In a separate incident, emergency services were called out for an overturned livestock lorry on the M1, Eastbound, involving potentially dangerous injured cattle. Armed officers were again authorised to act only if necessary, and one cow was put down as it suffered and couldn’t be reached by other means. Vets also euthanised additional animals using alternative methods.
The Ombudsman’s review cleared the officers of any misconduct in both cases. It stressed the importance of transparency and assured the public that the police had acted with compassion and coordination. This thorough review reiterates that the decisions, made in conjunction with veterinary advice, were essential to ensure public safety and animal welfare.