A watchdog told police to investigate whether the decision to run over a runaway cow with a police car was “appropriate and proportionate”.
After footage of officers using a patrol car to run over the cow was shared on social media, Surrey Police were widely criticized, with the home secretary demanding an explanation.
The force said officers tried several methods to catch the cow after reports it was running into people and damaging a car in Staines-upon-Thames on Friday.
They finally decided to opt for force.
The matter was referred to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), who said Surrey Police themselves should investigate what had happened.
The watchdog also said the force should check whether officers involved met standards of professional behavior, including how they communicated with the public.
A spokesperson said: “After careful consideration, we have decided that an investigation is required into whether the methods used to restrain the cow were appropriate and proportionate in these circumstances, and whether the officers maintained standards of professional police behavior throughout the incident, including your communication with the public present.
“However, we do not consider that the investigation should be carried out by the IOPC, so it will be up to Surrey’s professional standards department to take it forward.”
Surrey Police said this investigation “will take time” but will be carried out “diligently”.
If complainants are not satisfied with the outcome of the investigation, they have the right to review, “providing an independent level of oversight,” he added.
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The cow’s owner, identified only as Rob, said the clip was horrific, while wildlife presenter and conservationist Chris Packham asked: “What kind of monster attacks a calf?”
The 10-month-old calf, named Beau Lucy, was returned to his owner’s farm on Saturday morning with bruises and has since been recovering.
The video shows the cow falling and rolling meters down a road after being hit by the vehicle.
As the animal appears to try to get up, the car approaches for a second time.
The cow’s head and part of its torso appear to be trapped beneath the front of the vehicle as two officers exit, while a second police car is on an adjacent street.
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Deputy Chief Constable of Surrey Police Nev Kemp said: “I know how important it is that we provide the public with answers about how these actions occurred and what events led to them.
“We acknowledge the IOPC’s decision that this should be a local investigation and will continue to progress accordingly.”
A “full and thorough investigation” will be led by Surrey Police’s Professional Standards Department, he said, and overseen by a senior investigating officer from the Surrey and Sussex Police Serious Crime Team.
“This will take time; however, I reaffirm my commitment to ensuring this is diligently investigated and we will also continue to provide updates to our local community and the general public,” he added.
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