The 10-month-old calf, Beau Lucy, continues to recover after being struck by a patrol car.

The controversial incident involving Surrey Police ramming an escaped cow with a patrol car is now being investigated as a criminal matter. The 10-month-old calf, named Beau Lucy, was struck twice by the vehicle following reports of a loose animal in Staines-upon-Thames on June 15.

The police action faced widespread condemnation after footage of the incident went viral, receiving over 2,000 complaints from the public. In response, Surrey Police launched a comprehensive investigation, which included conducting 290 house-to-house visits, distributing 210 leaflets, contacting 75 witnesses, and gathering more than 250 video clips. The officer involved in the ramming has been removed from frontline duties.

Deputy Chief Constable Nev Kemp addressed the public outcry, explaining the need for a thorough investigation to understand the full scope of the events and to provide clarity on the actions taken. Over 20,000 messages and 2,000 complaints were received on social media, highlighting the intensity of the public reaction.

Beau Lucy’s owners, Rob and Kate, criticized the police’s decision to conduct their own investigation, calling the handling of the situation “cruel and barbaric.” Despite the force’s claim that several methods were used to capture the calf, the decision to use the patrol car was taken after the cow reportedly ran at members of the public and caused damage to a car. After the incident, Beau Lucy was returned to her farm with bruises and has since been recovering.