Crossbow used to shoot cow in the face

A cow was shot in the head with a crossbow in a shocking "act of cruelty" in Staffordshire. Countryside officers discovered Blackberry, a Dexter cow, in significant pain.

The cow had a crossbow bolt lodged in her face and the bolt had penetrated the facial bone. The council's herd of Dexter cows are currently being kept at Deavalls Farm, in Hawks Green, the headquarters of the Countryside Services department. The horrific attack on the animal took place between 5pm on Tuesday and 8.30am yesterday.

Veterinary surgeon Nick Williams attended the farm and removed the bolt from Blackberry's face and gave the animal antibiotics. Blackberry is expected to make a full recovery.

Police and council bosses are now appealing for witnesses and anybody operating CCTV in the area to help them identify the culprits.

Countryside Officers recovered several crossbow bolts from the field where the incident happened and these have now been passed to police.

Countryside Officer Phil Armshaw said: "This is the first bad incident we have had in twelve years with our Dexter cows. All of the rangers are very upset and disgusted that this stupid act has caused pain and suffering to one of the herd.

"If anyone saw any activity in the field then we urge them to let the police or the council know so we can catch whoever was responsible."

Councillor Tony Williams, environment leader, said: "This is a mindless and shocking act of cruelty on a defenceless animal. Anybody who saw what happened must report it and help us catch these cruel, mindless idiots."

The herd of Dexter cows are a popular feature of the Hednesford Hills countryside, where families and ramblers out walking often stop to watch them graze.

Dexter cattle are the smallest of the European cattle breeds and only grow to around a third of the size of a typical milking cow.

The RSPCA has been notified of the incident and is awaiting the outcome of the police investigation.

Anybody with information is asked to contact police on 0300 123 4455.