28 January 2011
A cattle beast destined to be killed at a home-kill business in Hamilton on Thursday had a last shot at freedom that was bought to an end by Police forced to destroy the animal.
Senior Sergeant Pete van de Wetering said officers were forced to shoot the animal about 2.00pm after it escaped from the Frankton home-kill premises and ran amuck amongst traffic on Greenwood St causing a crash that injured a female driver.
"The startled beast ran into Duke St and ended in the grounds of the SPCA but was still loose and a danger to the public.
"A number of people had gathered to see what was happening and Police called to the scene had to take the only option open to them which was to destroy the animal as humanely as possible."
Mr van de Wetering said it was a potentially risky situation faced by the officers who had no option but to shoot the animal before more members of the public were injured.
"This may have been distressing for some people which is regrettable, but I am relieved that no one else was injured.”
The carcass was taken back to the home-kill premises.
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