GROSSE ILE (WWJ) – Police on Grosse Ile are receiving criticism from some community members after authorities had to shoot and kill a bull that got loose and ran through neighborhoods on Monday.
An officer on patrol spotted the bull – estimated to be 500-600 lbs. – running through a neighborhood near Lowrie and Ferry around 12:45 p.m. Monday, according to Grosse Ile police.
The bull’s owner was chasing it when the officer spotted it, officials said. Over the next seven hours, a total of six police officers, two animal control officers, a local veterinarian, several firefighters and residents tried to contain the animal.
Attempts to use fencing, a portable round pen and roping were unsuccessful.
The bull, which was demonstrating unpredictable behaviors, was exposed to children, drivers and domesticated animals as it ran through yards, onto patios and across roads.
“As the situation drew attention, more residents came to the area on foot and in vehicles, increasing the risk of harm to the public and reducing the ability of first responders to contain the animal,” police officials said.
Grosse Ile police made requests to every law enforcement agency in Wayne County, the DNR and a Macomb County shelter, but no additional resources could be provided.
The owner indicated the bull couldn't be contained and gave permission to shoot it. Once the bull was moved to a safe area, a member of the Grosse Ile Police Department was able to put it down.
An animal control officer suffered a minor injury during the ordeal, police officials said.
The investigation is ongoing and being coordinated with the Michigan Department of Agriculture.
Community members shared concerns over the shooting on Facebook. Many users questioned why the department didn’t try to tranquilize the animal.
One comment on the GIPD’s Facebook page said, “Sad that a tranquilizer gun wasn’t used?? Seems like that should be something in our arsenal on a nature preserve island??”
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