Memorial for cows - PETA hopes to honour seven animals killed in A5 crash
Animal protection charity PETA has called for a memorial to be installed to commemorate the cows who died in a crash on the A5 earlier this month.
Seven cows died after a lorry transporting them overturned near the Five Crosses island on the A5 in Gobowen on Sunday, April 7.
The double-decker vehicle was transporting 40 animals when it overturned. Two cows died at the scene and five were euthanised.
Now, PETA have requested a roadside memorial be put in place to commemorate the cows and encourage drivers to travel safely and give up meat.
The requested tribute would feature a picture of a cow and an inscription that reads: “In memory of the cows who suffered and died in a lorry accident on this spot. Try vegan.”
PETA vice president of programmes Elisa Allen said: “For nothing more than some steaks and burgers, this crash left animals suffering amid an already terrifying trip – which was likely to the abattoir.
“PETA’s roadside memorial could prevent further tragedies, including human ones, by reminding everyone to drive with care and spare a thought for animals by no longer eating them.”
The organisation has written to Erica Morgan, chair of Selattyn and Gobowen Parish Council to request the installation.
The letter reads: "Our memorial would let people know that the best way to prevent crashes such as this one, which likely happened on the way to an abattoir, is to go vegan – because cows shouldn’t have to make such terrifying journeys at all.
"It would also remind lorry drivers who transport animals of their responsibility to the thousands of living, feeling beings they haul every year and to the motorists whose lives are endangered when a lorry overturns."
The team that worked to rescue the remaining 33 cows following the incident, which included 15 local farmers and emergency services, were later hailed as 'heroes' by the vet who received the emergency call.
Dr David Martin, clinical director at Brownlow Veterinary Group, said: “Responding to emergencies like this is always stressful, but seeing our training in large animal rescue come to life in collaboration with the emergency services and the local farming community was extraordinary.
“Our deepest thanks go to everyone involved – especially our off-duty Brownlow and Park Issa large animal team, for their remarkable dedication and immediate action. They are all absolute heroes.”