Oswestry cows shot dead in public view after escaping from field

A herd of cows was shot dead in front of shocked residents after they escaped from a field near Oswestry.

The animals were killed in a field on a housing estate in Chirk and their bodies left out overnight.

Council officers ordered the shooting to "prevent further suffering and distress" to the animals. They said they carried out the action in the interests of public safety.

Chirk town councillor Hilary Spragg, whose home backs onto the field where the cows were kept, said the animals had been escaping and getting into gardens and on to roads.

She said: "It really was becoming a dangerous situation with the possibility of a tragic accident taking place.

"Measures had to be taken to stop the problem. However, it was the way it was done that has upset people."

She said the shooting had taken place on Friday afternoon when residents, including children, were about.

Wrexham County Borough Council said there had been the destruction of cattle at Ley Farm in Chirk.

Andy Lewis, the council's chief housing and public protection officer, said the public were excluded from the area. He added: "The incident may result in court action being taken against the owner of the animals."

The farmer involved is thought to be out of the country today.