The RSPCA has been accused by angry monks of committing an act of "religious sacrilege of the worst kind" after giving a lethal injection of a cow.
Members of Bhaktivedanta Manor in Letchmore Heath are furious that the RSPCA, aided by a vet and escorted by police, killed the animal while worshipers were at prayer.
The cow, named Gangotri, a 13 year-old Belgian Blue and Jersey cross, was killed this morning.
According to representatives from the manor "police bundled away monks who were in attendance of the sick cow, and the head farmer was kept talking while inside the barn a lethal injection was given to the cow".
Cows are sacred to Hindus.
Head farm manager and former Royal Marine Stuart Coyle said: "Gangotri was unable to walk, but due to her condition there was some tolerable discomfort".
An RSPCA representative said access to the manor had been gained with a warrant and that notifying temple members prior to arriving at the site to administer the injection would have been contrary to the operation.
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