Hamilton Police shoot runaway bull after two people injured

A member of the public provided footage of a runaway bull loose in Hamilton this morning.

Hamilton Police shot a runaway bull this morning after two people were injured and a “small number” of properties were damaged.

A police spokesperson said a “loose bull running around” was reported at about 10.20am.

“One person has been reportedly injured by the bull, and they are in a moderate to serious condition,” police said.

“A small number of properties have been damaged.”

At about 11.30am, “police used a firearm to euthanise the bull”.

“Police are making enquiries into the matter.”

A Hato Hone St John spokesperson said a rapid response unit, ambulance and operations manager attended an “animal incident” at Lake Crescent, Hamilton Lake.

St John was notified at 10.25am.

“Two patients, both in moderate conditions, have been transported to Waikato Hospital,” the spokesperson said.

A Hamilton City Council spokesperson said the council was “aware of the incident”.

“Police are leading the response so any queries should be directed to them.”

A woman provided footage of the bull’s wanderings through Hamilton to the Herald.

“Cow on the loose near hospital causing havoc,” the woman said.

“Police have been [trying] to contain for an hour.”

Social media posts suggested the bull may have escaped from a livestock sale yard in the neighbouring suburb of Frankton.

“[It] ran along the tracks and somehow made it to Innes Common where it gave a member of the public a hongi,” one Facebook comment said.

Maryana Garcia is a Hamilton-based reporter covering breaking news in Waikato. She previously wrote for the Rotorua Daily Post and Bay of Plenty Times.