Cow Watch - 2002
Condemned Cow Escapes
Last Friday, a cow weighing in excess of one thousand pounds jumped an eight
foot high fence and escaped from the Ken Myers Meats meat-packing plant in
Cincinnati, Ohio. It makes one wonder if the cow knew what fate was
awaiting her inside the meat-packing plant. I think she did, how else does
one explain a half ton cow jumping over an eight foot fence?
Fugitive Cow Goes Underground
The cow bolted into a heavily wooded area in Mount Storm Park in the nearby
Clifton area, where she has been laying low and living off the land. There
have been a few isolated sightings by citizens, but for a week now she has
completely eluded both the Cincinnati Police and the Hamilton County
Sheriff's Department, not to mention the local branch of the SPCA. This
despite their best efforts to locate her using a helicopter with
night-vision equipment. This is one smart cow.
Authorities Play the Waiting Game
Ever elusive, as soon as anyone gets anywhere near the cow, she high-tails
it back into the woods. Authorities thus far have exercised caution, saying
that time is on their side. Personally, I think they are trying to avoid
another incident like Waco or Ruby Ridge. There has been no word on whether
the cow is armed.
Cow Becomes Local Hero
Meanwhile, this "cow on the run" has become something of a folk hero to the
residents around here. She has received a huge outpouring of public
support, with many calling for the cow to be given her freedom. Many feel
as Susan Martel, who said "I think after all her efforts she deserves to be
put out to pasture, so she can live the rest of her life in peace." Or as
Mike Jelus put it, "After all, he's got a better track record than the
Bengals".
A number of people have offered to adopt the renegade cow, including former
Reds owner Marge Schott, and Cincinnati based Fifth Third Bank, which has
offered to make her their new mascot.
Cow To Get Key to the City?
Not to be outdone, Cincinnati mayor Charlie Luken says that once the cow is
brought in he will present her with the key to the city. Really. When
questioned, his press aide replied "He wasn't joking." Remember, this is
the same town that once had Jerry Springer as its mayor.
-- Curtis Wiggins
Based on information reported by Fox 19 WXIX Cincinnati
( http://www.fox19.com/ ) and The Cincinnati Enquirer ( http://enquirer.com/ )
