'Appalling and disgusting': Community outraged as video shows man riding pregnant cow in Jersey

• Watch as a man decides to jump on a cow and ride it around a field in Jersey. Report by ITV Channel's Alex Spiceley

There has been outrage in Jersey after a video was widely shared on social media showing a man riding a pregnant cow.

Master Farms says a member of the public entered one of its fields in Grouville and mounted a heifer, 18-month-old May who is due to give birth in December.

Vets have since checked over May and her calf and both are doing well.

Farmer Phil Le Maistre added: "Fortunately, she seems to be OK but I just can't believe that anyone would ever think it's acceptable to walk past a field of cows and then try to ride one like a horse.

"It puts the animals under unwanted stress and we've got the vet coming out later to check her over.

"I just hope the person realises how serious it is, it's beyond me why anyone thinks that would be funny."

The incident was reported to the police and has been universally condemned online with islanders calling it "disgraceful", "so stupid and disrespectful", and "absolutely appalling and disgusting behaviour".

Phil explained: "It's been overwhelming. Although they're our cows, it feels like the whole island is protecting them and the community support has been brilliant."

The man responsible has now been in contact with them and the police.

According to Masters Farms, he has apologised and "regrets his actions" - he will also pay for the vet bill and they have asked him to donate to a local animal charity.

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