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Danish police shoot ‘aggressive’ cow after escape from abattoir

An “aggressive” cow was pursued and lethally shot by police in Aarhus after it broke free from an abattoir and caused temporary closure of the city’s light rail.

Published: 13 August 2019 16:14 CEST
Danish police shoot 'aggressive' cow after escape from abattoir
A file photo of a different cow. Photo: Mads Claus Rasmussen / Ritzau Scanpix

The Letbanen light rail was forced to briefly close after the cow, a heifer, escaped from Aarhus Slagterhal, an abattoir in the city.

The incident resulted in police shooting and killing the animal.

Police were informed of the escape just before 9am on Tuesday and sent a number of patrol vehicles to the city’s harbour area. The chase was over by 9:42, East Jutland Police wrote on Twitter.

The animal was described as “aggressive” and “potentially dangerous” by people who called police to report it, police said.

The animal was shot on the Østhavnsvej road at the harbour, police confirmed, but were unable to initially state the exact number of shots fired.

Knud Erik Nielsen, a manager at the abattoir, told broadcaster DR that the heifer was able to escape because of the temporary removal of a fence for works at the facility.

“I can’t remember when this last happened. The last time is certainly five to ten years ago,” Nielsen told DR Nyheder.

READ ALSO: Escaped cows cause chaos on Copenhagen highway

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COW

How to protect yourself against cow attacks

In the summer months hikers strolling through meadows in Switzerland often underestimate the danger posed by cows.

Published: 21 July 2017 11:48 CEST
How to protect yourself against cow attacks
tommasolizzul/Depositphotos

Far from being docile creatures, cows can be aggressive, especially if they are protecting their calves.

Last month a walker suffered broken ribs and vertebrae in an attack by a herd of cows in the canton of Jura.

READ ALSO: Walker seriously injured after being attacked by Swiss cows

Fatal attacks are, thankfully, rare. In 2015 a German tourist was killed by cattle when out walking in the Laax area of Graubünden, prompting the authorities to put up warning signs.

To help avoid further injury, the Blick newspaper has compiled a list of helpful tips on crossing meadows safely.

The Swiss advisory service for agricultural accident prevention BUL recommends walkers avoid:

–       wearing very bright or garishly coloured clothing

–       making loud noises or high-pitched sounds

–       taking a dog with you, as dogs are seen as a threat

–       looking the cow in the eye and sustained eye contact.

The BUL also offers advice to hikers who find themselves at risk of attack:

–       back away slowly but do not avert your gaze

–       use a walking stick to defend yourself if attacked

–       if you have a dog, let it off the lead. The cow will concentrate on the dog instead of you.

The advisory service says the main piece of advice is to always keep quiet when crossing meadows and to observe the behaviour of the herd.

You should also keep as far away from the animals as possible.