Cow is shot dead after crash on A46 in Leicestershire
A police marksman had to shoot dead an injured cow after the cattle trailer in which it was being transported overturned.
Armed officers were called out to help traffic police deal with the aftermath of the crash, on the eastbound carriageway of the A46 between Anstey and Birstall at about 8.30am yesterday.
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Police marksmen were called to the scene because two cows had been trapped in the trailer following the accident, on the A46 yesterday morning
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Police marksmen were called to the scene because two cows had been trapped in the trailer following the accident, on the A46 yesterday morning
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Police marksmen were called to the scene because two cows had been trapped in the trailer following the accident, on the A46 yesterday morning
A police spokesman said: "A report came in to say that a cattle trailer being pulled by a 4x4 vehicle had overturned near Anstey.
"The trailer contained five cows, two of which had to be destroyed at the scene."
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Three of the animals, although stunned, escaped with minor injuries. However, the remaining two were trapped inside the overturned trailer
The spokesman added: "Both animals were badly injured.
"An emergency vet was able to get to one of the cows to put it down, however, they could not reach the second.
"The cow was in a lot of distress and a trained police officer had to put it down using a shotgun. Obviously, it was not a pleasant thing to have to do but was necessary for the sake of the animal's welfare and the safety of the public and those at the scene."
The remaining cows were put onto another trailer and driven away. There were long tailbacks until the road was fully reopened at about midday.
Further travel disruption was caused by a lorry fire on the M1. Northbound and southbound carriageways were closed between Junction 21, at Fosse Park, and 21A, from 11.45am after a lorry carrying a cargo of plastic bins caught fire.
Read more here: Travel chaos after fire on M1 in Leicestershire
Comments
by Grant2010
Thursday, September 13 2012, 10:37PM
“Does it not occur to anyone what ever happened, this was a serious incident and some-one could easily have been killed. I just hope there is serious investigation and the matter is followed by LM. Knowing how and why this happened could prevent the same mistake being made and maybe safe a life..”
by georgeisafish
Thursday, September 13 2012, 9:01PM
“steak tonight, anyone?”
by lollaw
Thursday, September 13 2012, 4:04PM
“jonger, They wouldn't be using 'bird shot', ever heard of a solid slug. I think you'll be surprised to hear that they probably know what they are doing.”
by Elaine1971
Thursday, September 13 2012, 3:00PM
“Probably incorrect reporting, Jonger...”
by Elaine1971
Thursday, September 13 2012, 2:50PM
“Yep, it's defo a Defender that's on it's side (pic number 2 shows it clearer).”
by jonger
Thursday, September 13 2012, 2:43PM
“Its more than likely they were young heifers, in which case the trailer is plenty big enough, my concern is they used a shotgun - you shoot game birds, rabbits and small vermin with a shotgun not something as big as a heifer!”
by Elaine1971
Thursday, September 13 2012, 1:59PM
“Poor cows. :o(
Looks like a Land Rover Defender to me. Obviously it depends on the breed (and age) of the cows as to whether it would be over the towing weight, or not... Dexters only weigh 270-320kg when fully grown, but Holstein Friesians weigh 650-750kg.”
by sansue
Thursday, September 13 2012, 12:40PM
“A trailer with FIVE cows being towed by a 4x4??!!!! I hope if the individual has broken animal welfare regs, etc, he is fully prosecuted.”
by karinfall1955
Thursday, September 13 2012, 10:52AM
“Poor creatures. Was the trailer overloaded? Did it have to swerve? Will anyone be held responsible?”