Vet killed by abattoir cow

Apr 19 2006 By Emma Cullwick

A MIDLANDS vet was killed when he was attacked by a cow at an abattoir.

Ian Jackson, from Pershore, was crushed against the side of a lorry by a heifer which had broken loose.

The 56-year-old was visiting RE Williams abattoir in Weobley, Herefordshire, to assess hygiene standards

when the animal attacked. He sustained multiple injuries and was airlifted to Selly Oak Hospital in Birmingham where he died hours later.

Mr Jackson, who leaves a wife and two grown-up daughters, had worked as a veterinary surgeon for more than 20 years and was employed by Hall Mark Meat Hygiene, based in Stroud.

The firm was unavailable for comment and his family were yesterday too distressed to comment about last Thursday's tragedy.

Abattoir boss David Williams said the cow was delivered to his plant on a lorry. He said: "When we opened the back gates, the animal had mounted an inner gate. Its head and chest were up in the air and we couldn't shut the lorry doors.

"It crushed the gate inside the lorry. I tried to stop it but it barged past me and got out.

"Mr Jackson was out in the yard and he tried to turn it around but the beast pushed into him and crushed his head against a lorry. His injuries were very severe."

West Mercia Police and the Heath and Safety Executive have launched investigations. A post-mortem was held in Hereford and an inquest will be opened and adjourned later this week.