Cattle at schoolyard in Owen Sound

This morning, eleven head of cattle unexpectedly went to school in Owen Sound.

Acting Sergeant Tom Sullivan stated, “At approximately 10:44 a.m. the Owen Sound Police Service began receiving calls from residents in the area of Hillcrest School of cattle walking through yards heading towards the [west-side] school. Our officers arrived within a few minutes to find eleven head of cattle grazing in the playground. ”

Police learned that sometime over night, 22 head of cattle, described as yearlings, broke out of a fenced area on Grey Road 18, southwest of the city limits. Due to the extensive damage to that fence the owner believed the cattle had been spooked by an animal, possibly a bear. The cattle, which ended up at the school, were believed to have used the paths along the area of the Niagara Escarpment, locally known in the West Rocks, to make their way down into the city.

Officers were able to contain the cattle in the playground until their owner arrived and removed them. As of noon, a total of 16 cattle had been located however the exact whereabouts of the other 6 cattle were still not known.

“It was quite a sight for the students and teachers, and even some citizens who dropped by to take pictures. There were no injuries, to man nor beast, and it is believed that damage is limited to hoof marks, and perhaps some other items left in the grass. We are very fortunate; had the animals made their way to a busy street the potential for injury to both the animals and motorists would have been very great,” said Sullivan.