Bull escaped through open front gate at abattoir

A "dangerous" bull that was shot dead by police after it escaped from a meat processing plant got out of a haulier's vehicle through a side access panel before running through the open main gate.

The animal, which had been transported to the abattoir on Tuesday for slaughter, was shot at a rugby club at about 11:30 BST after running through a residential area and near a primary school.

The bull was free for about 30 minutes before police shot the animal, with several roads around the Tromode area closed during its escape.

The Isle of Man Meat Company said following its own initial investigation it had now referred itself for further review by an independent specialist.

The review into how the bull managed to escape was launched after some local distress at how the incident was dealt with.

Justifying their approach, police previously said there was "no easy way" to contain the animal.

The company said the animal had "exited the vehicle via a side access panel, which is typically used for livestock inspection during transport".

As the plant's yard was "active with vehicle movements" at the time the main gate was open, which had provided "an unintended route for the animal to exit the premises".

The firm said given the "unforeseen nature of the event and the sequence of contributing factors", it had referred itself to an independent health and safety and animal welfare specialist.

In a statement the company said: "We aim to ensure that all applicable regulations and operational practices are reviewed and, where necessary, strengthened to minimise the risk of similar incidents occurring in future."

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