Land Rover pulling trailer of cows overturns in Whitstable
An overturned trailer
caused concern for these Highland cows inside
Exclusive by Jamie Bullen
Motorists were left in udder disbelief after three Highland cows
were at the centre of a dramatic rescue on one of Whitstable’s
busiest roads.
Traffic stopped moo-ving on the Thanet Way at 1pm when police
cordoned off the road after a trailer carrying the cattle
overturned.
At the time, the cows were being transferred by the Kent
Wildlife Trust from West Blean nature reserve to Hothfield in
Ashford.
Police, two fire engines and the animal rescue unit were called
to the scene and dragged the trailer to a nearby field where the
cows were released.
Trailer overturns on the
Thanet Way
The two-hour operation was successful after the cows escaped
unharmed as HGV vehicles were deployed to block the cows from
running across the road.
Both firefighters and wildlife experts said it was fortunate the
cattle sustained no serious injuries.
Kent Fire and Rescue incident commander Mick Smith said: “These
types of incidents tend to be protracted and do take longer than we
would like.
"We have to take into consideration the advice of the vets,
owners, police and the welfare of the animal, which is
paramount.
The cows are taken to
safety
“They went into the field to follow the owner who had a
bucket of cattle food. Within two minutes they were grazing so we
had a very good outcome.”
After the incident the cows were left in Wraik Hill as
alternative plans were discussed.
Kent Wildlife spokesman Ray Lewis said: “We were moving the
cattle from West Blean nature reserve to Hothfield in Ashford.
“Our driver had a problem with the trailer snaking at 40 miles
per hour and the trailer overturned on the Thanet Way.
“Both the driver and the cattle are ok.
“The cattle remained upright incredibly and were relatively
unscathed.
“They have temporarily been moved to Wraik Hill in the interim
until we make alternative arrangements.”
07/11/12
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