Meat safety warning as police probe cow slaughter
Julia Gregory/BBCSurrey Police is investigating the killing of a cow after its remains were found at a nature reserve in Guildford.
Farmer Selina Tilley told BBC Radio Surrey that one of her bullocks, which was grazing at Riverside Nature Reserve, was killed and butchered early on Saturday.
The animal was recently treated with deworming medication so its meat is not safe for human consumption, prompting warnings over the consumption of unpackaged meat.
Remains of the cow were found at the nature reserve's car park on Bowers Lane and reported to Surrey Police on Monday, a spokesperson for the force said.
Ms Tilley said the incident was "very distressing" and that her other cattle were "a bit skittish" the morning of the incident.
"We've been out to see them a few times since and they have calmed down a bit," she said. "It was all very traumatic."
Surrey Police said it understands the incident "will cause distress and concern within the local community" and that enquiries are ongoing.
The farmer added that it is possible the animal was killed with a shotgun and the attack appears to be "calculated".
She said the perpetrators "may have just taken the meat for their own consumption" and appeared to "sort of know what they're doing".
The bullock was recently treated with a "very serious wormer" that would still be "very much in their system" on Saturday, according to Ms Tilley.
There was no visible indication on the animal that this is the case, she said.
Surrey Police warned the animal's meat "is not fit for human consumption".
Guildford Borough Council added: "If you are offered any beef and don't know its origin, don't purchase as it could cause serious issues with your health."
The local authority, which owns and manages Riverside Nature Reserve, said it was aware of the attack and has not had reports of other incidents.
The council has also changed locks at the site and asked neighbours for their CCTV footage, it said.
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