Law Soc Gazette
What claims to be the first animal protection law firm says it is considering all options after footage emerged over the weekend of a police car’s collision with a runaway cow.
Surrey Police confirmed yesterday it had removed an officer from frontline duties pending an investigation into the incident on Friday evening.
Camera footage apparenty showed the calf, which had escaped from a field, being injured by a police car in Staines-upon-Thames. The calf suffered cuts and grazes and is now recuperating.
Edie Bowles, managing director of London-based Advocates for Animals, told the Gazette the firm is working on behalf of its client the Humane Society International UK to potentially pursue welfare or driving offences or civil claims. Witnesses have come forward and counsel is going through available evidence before deciding on the next course of action.
Claire Bass, director of campaigns and public affairs at the Humane Society International UK, said: ‘This incident pulls into focus a more general lack of consideration for the welfare of farmed animals, it’s hard to imagine the police running a horse down with a patrol car. It’s important that legal protections for all animals are enforced, regardless of who is causing the suffering, and we’re exploring what action can be taken in defence of this animal.’
If the local authority or Crown Prosecution Service is unwilling to prosecute the possible cruelty offence, the firm could consider a private prosecution, Bowles said. A civil claim could also be pursued by the owner.
Legal requirements apply to any animal protected under the Animal Welfare Act 2006 and offences under that act can result in fines or up to five years in prison.
Advocates for Animals is a team of solicitors seeking to pursue breaches in animal protection law, as well to hold to account governments and other bodies charged with enforcing laws. It launched in 2019 and is a not-for-profit organisation working with animal groups, activists and individuals.
Surrey Police said that on the night when the calf escaped, efforts were made to contact local vets without success.
‘I fully appreciate the distress our handling of this incident has caused and will ensure that it is thoroughly and diligently investigated,’ said Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp. ‘As well as our overriding 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 up to it.’
