A COW has been shot in the eye with a crossbow bolt in York, in an attack that has been condemned by police.

The 14-month old Galloway heifer was found with the bolt sticking from its left eye socket, on land next to the cycle path between Wigginton Road and Haxby Road.

Will Durrant, who lives in New Earswick, was alerted to the injured animal by a friend on Tuesday morning, and contacted the farmer responsible for the animal.

Mr Durrant said: “It’s a very sad thing to see. I do nature walks around the area and am involved in a lot of nature groups in the area.

“In the past the cattle have been chased by dogs and all sorts, and now it’s gt a crossbow bolt in its eye. It’s terrible, isn’t it? Who in their right mind would shoot an animal with a crossbow It’s ridiculous, and I’m very sad about it. To see it embedded in its eye was very sad.”

Chris Pickering is the farmer responsible for the animals, on behalf of BHE Agricultural Contractors, and said he was angry that his livestock had been injured.

He said the bolt had been removed and the cow had been treated with antibiotics, but it would be at least another 24 hours before he knew whether the animal would lose its sight, or have its eye removed.

Mr Pickering said: “We’ve never had anything like this happen with cattle, but on the Strensall training area we’ve had a crossbow bolt in a sheep before.

“Over the last year, we have had dog walkers’ dogs worrying sheep, and hooligans taking potshots at them. Dogs have been chasing sheep, the animals are very distressed and end up in pain. I want everyone involved in this, the RSPCA and the police.”

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police, said: “This was a callous and unnecessary act against a defenceless animal.

“Clearly, this sort of behaviour is totally unacceptable as is any cruelty to animals and enquiries are underway to identify those responsible.”

Leanne Plumtree from the RSPCA said their officers were also investigating the matter, and urged anyone with information to phone 0300 1234999 and leave a message for Inspector Gill Corder.

Alternatively, anyone with information can contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.