That's No Bull: Police Capture Runaway Cow

Animal Control officers from the Fairfax County Police Department responded to a report of a bull running loose near a shopping center at Union Mill Road in the Centreville area, police reported Monday.

The bull turned out to be a cow from a local farm that had been loose for a few days, police said. The cow was reportedly aggressive, pregnant and officers were warned it may attack if cornered.

The Scottish Highland cow had reportedly escaped from a farm on Winfield Road in Fairfax last Thursday and police received several calls of sightings in the following days. Several attempts to corral the cow were unsuccessful.

Finally, officers spotted the orange and brown horned cow at around 9:15 p.m. Saturday, coming out of the woods near Union Mill Road. 

The cow reportedly charged the officers and fled through neighborhood yards. Officers were eventually able to tranquilize the cow. A veterinarian who had responded to assist was injured during the animal’s apprehension and was later treated for her non life-threatening wounds. The cow was not injured.

The owner of the cow told The Washington Post that the cow later died.