MP pleads for the life of pet cow

Harriet is due to be marked for culling on Monday

A pet cow has been sentenced to death by government bureaucracy, according to the MP for the Forest of Dean.

Mark Harper has written to Ben Bradshaw, the minister in charge of animal welfare, asking him to spare Jersey cow Harriet's life.

The animal is said to have shared feed with a cow which later contracted BSE and under Defra and EU laws she must be destroyed as part of the 'cohort'.

Her owners, supported by vets, dispute the claim.

"Government bureaucracy has sentenced Harriet to death," said Mark Harper. "She is a much loved pet and no one has any plans to eat her."

"Killing her is a needless act that will achieve nothing. Defra claim they need to value her, but money cannot compensate for the affectation felt for her," he added.

The State Veterinary Service is due to visit and mark Harriet for culling on Monday afternoon.