Attackers cut off cow's tail

A cow had its tail cut off by attackers who struck at a Worcester ecology project.

Worcester's city rangers have described the attack as "mindless and appalling" and said although the cow is recovering she could suffer further problems if the wound becomes infected.

The animal was grazing on Chapter Meadows when the incident happened overnight on 10 September.

Police, the RSPCA and a vet were called to the scene and DEFRA experts are now examining the tail for evidence which could track down the attackers.

The severed tail was discovered by the cow's owner on the council-maintained grassland between Worcester Cathedral and Bromwich Road.

Twenty three Charolais cows and their calves graze there as part of an ecology exercise encouraging the growth of wild flowers.

Whoever did this has got to be stopped and we will use all the powers at our disposal to secure a conviction Warwick Neale, ranger

Conservation officer Warwick Neale said: "Why anyone would want to commit such a mindless and appalling act is completely beyond me, but with the public's help let's hope we find whoever was responsible."

He urged anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious to contact the police immediately.

"Whoever did this has got to be stopped and we will use all the powers at our disposal to secure a conviction," he said.

"She's very, very wary of people as a result and I hope that she and her calf will be able to be integrated back into the herd as soon as possible.

"Cows' tails are part of the spinal cord and if infection sets in, there could be all sorts of problems".

Anyone who has any information is asked to contact police or the city council's rangers.