Surrey cow: Police officer who hit calf investigated as farmer gives health update

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A Surrey police officer has been removed from duty after hitting an out-of-control cow twice with his vehicle – a moment captured on video that caused widespread consternation and went viral on social media.

The video shows young cow Beau Lucy running freely on the street in Staines before being hit twice by a police vehicle.

The partner of the farmer who owns Beau Lucy called for the driver to be fired – saying the calf could still die from its injuries.

The officer will be removed from frontline duty until an investigation into his conduct is completed, police said, after Home Secretary James Cleverly described the tactics used to stop the cow as “heavy-handed”.

According to police, the ten-month-old calf is now back on his farm and is recovering with his herd after sustaining a large cut on his leg.

Beau Lucy is said to have slipped out of her pasture pen and swam across a river before reaching Staines-upon-Thames on Friday evening.

Video footage shows Beau Lucy running freely, across streets and sidewalks, before she is hit by a Surrey Police SUV.

Police claimed the animal posed a threat to human life, but Mr Cleverly posted on X that he could not “think of any reasonable reason for this action”.

Kate, the partner of the farmer who owns the cow, told Sky News: “It looked like they were trying to kill her.”

“Honestly, when I saw the video, I thought he should lose his job. I just found it disgusting, I couldn’t believe it.

“I don’t know if it was his decision to drive towards the animal or if he was instructed to do so, but the police officers themselves looked pretty agitated when they got out of the car.”

In the viral footage, Beau Lucy is seen walking down the middle of the street while a man walks around parked vehicles.

A marked police car accelerates towards the calf, sending the 200 kg animal across the road. She staggers to her feet before the police car hits her again, this time trapping her head under the front axle.

In a second clip, Beau Lucy is seen getting back on her feet and then stumbling into a front yard, obviously in shock from the collision.

The officers get out of the vehicle and shout at the concerned residents to go back.

Kate said it was a shame that officials did not contact her or a vet to give Beau Lucy a sedative, adding: “It wasn’t that out of control, it was just scared.”

She said: “I can only imagine that the police officers who did this had no idea about farm animals. I couldn’t believe she ended up where she ended up.”

She said Beau Lucy was returned very upset, but after being examined by a vet, she is now eating and drinking again.

“I don’t know if she’s going to survive,” she said. “She could have died from the shock, but hopefully she survives.”

Assistant Chief Constable Nev Kemp said: “I am fully aware of the distress our handling of this incident has caused and will ensure it is thoroughly and carefully investigated. In addition to an internal referral to our Professional Standards Unit, we have also referred the matter to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) for independent review.

“The officer driving the police car has been relieved of his front-line duties pending the outcome of this investigation.

“I know there is great concern for the cow’s welfare. She is now back with her owner and recovering with her herd. She has suffered a large cut to one leg as well as cuts and abrasions. She will continue to be monitored by a veterinarian and our officers will remain in contact with the owner to keep him updated.

“I can confirm that attempts were made to contact local veterinarians that night, but without success. At the same time, attempts were made to identify the owner. Why these attempts were unsuccessful and what else could and should have been done will be an important part of the investigation.

“In addition to our primary duty to protect the public, the welfare of animals is important to us and we know people want answers about how this happened and what led to it. I am committed to ensuring we fully understand what happened and why and we will fully support any investigation by the IOPC.

“I have also informed the Home Office of our actions and we are in contact with several animal welfare organisations who have contacted us about this incident.”