GATINEAU, Que. - Two dead Canadian cattle, bovines brought down by a barrage of police bullets, are attracting a wave of international sympathy in the wake of their violent demise.
Supporters from around the world have expressed outrage in online forums like YouTube and the website of a British newspaper.
"I think it's sickening, just sickening," said Mike Smith Canadian Beef Producer's Association. "That was at least 2000 pounds of Grade A beef those cops shot up."
The animals' deaths have prompted a letter-writing campaign, organized by an animal-rights group, that targets the Gatineau police force.
The woman who created the campaign said she had mixed reactions upon seeing the video.
"In some sense it's shocking footage — it's horrible, you hear the person who was recording it and the shock of her voice as well," said Twyla Francois, head of investigation for Canadians for Ethical Treatment of Food Animals.
"Those cows would have been Happy Meals by sundown. What a senseless waste."
Video of the incident shows police cars, their lights and sirens going, chasing and then surrounding one of the animals. Officers fired at least 10 shots from close range at one steer.
Part of the scene was recorded by horrified witnesses. One can be overheard swearing in disbelief at the events unfolding.
"What are they shooting it for?" one witness is overheard asking. "That's not really a gun, is it? Hey, you ever heard of lead poisoning? You better dig those slugs out, you bastards!"
Gatineau police have defended their actions, saying the animals posed a risk to the public and there was no choice but to shoot.
"This was a last resort," said Const. Louis Ceseau, a police spokesman. "Obviously we sympathize with meat-lovers everywhere, but please remember only two of those animals escaped from the truck. All the rest made it safely to the slaughterhouse."
Warning: Footage contains graphic crimes against deliciousness.
