Cow brought to Perth Parliament House goes awol

A publicity event linked to RUOK Day has taken a wild turn with a steer breaking clear of his handler at Parliament House in Perth and run off around the building.

The steer called Winston, and Clementine the cow, were presented on the lawns outside parliament on Thursday as part of a promotion for the mental health initiative RUOK?

Winston took fright when he was being draped with a ribbon, and broke clear of his burly handler in front of stunned onlookers, and careered off down the street.

He ran around Parliament House as his handler and a media pack followed.

Winston’s handler eventually managed to lead him back to the media conference but that was when Clementine let loose with a long stream of urine on the grass.

Regional Affairs Minister Alannah MacTiernan remarked ‘that cow’s pissing it in.’

The owner of the cows, Dardanup farmer Peter Milton said: ‘It was Winston’s first day out of the shed in three months, his first public appearance. I guess he got a bit embarrassed.’

Mr Milton said the unplanned excitement was welcome if it helped raise awareness for mental health in Australia. 

Winston and Clementine were to be auctioned off at the Perth Royal Show, and the proceeds were to be donated to the anti-depression group Black Dog Institute.

The steer called Winston, and Clementine the cow, were presented on the lawns outside parliament on Thursday as part of a promotion for the mental health initiative RUOK?

Winston ran around Parliament House as his handler and a media pack followed