Cow Takes a Joyride Through Downtown Norfolk, Nebraska
In a bizarre turn of events, residents of Norfolk, Nebraska were left stunned when a car drove through the city’s downtown area with an unexpected passenger – a cow. The incident occurred on Wednesday morning and quickly caught the attention of local authorities and residents alike.
Captain Chad Reiman of the Norfolk Police Division was sitting in his office when he heard radio traffic about a car with a cow inside. Intrigued by the unusual report, Reiman decided to investigate the situation himself. Upon arriving at the scene, he discovered a fully grown, black-and-white dappled steer with long protruding horns comfortably seated in the passenger seat of a modified Ford Crown Victoria sedan.
The steer, named Howdy Doody, is a 2,200-pound, 9-year-old Watusi-longhorn mix who is known for his friendly and docile nature. His owner, Lee Meyer, revealed that Howdy Doody enjoys going on walks on a leash, receiving treats, and even going on car rides. The steer has become a local celebrity in Neligh, Nebraska, where Meyer resides, often appearing in parades alongside his owner in the modified Crown Victoria.
However, the duo’s joyride through Norfolk was not well-received by local authorities. The city, with a population of approximately 24,000 residents, deemed the presence of the steer in a car to be a safety hazard. Meyer was stopped by the police and issued a warning for vision obstruction and unsecured load. He was also asked to drive Howdy Doody back home.
Captain Reiman explained the decision, stating, “What would you expect me or anybody to do with an over 1,500-pound animal in the middle of a downtown in a city? It’s not like I could take him to the dog pound. There was only one option, and that was to let that gentleman drive back to his home.”
The unusual sight of a massive steer inside a Crown Victoria is the result of Meyer’s determination to drive around with his beloved pet. About seven years ago, he had an “aha moment” and decided to modify his car, an old police cruiser, to accommodate Howdy Doody. After months of tinkering, including reinforcing the floor, suspension, and frame, as well as adding a gate and plexiglass barrier, Meyer successfully transformed his car into a comfortable ride for his steer.
Since then, Howdy Doody has accompanied Meyer on various trips around Neligh, often opting for the car over a trailer. The steer has become quite spoiled, with Meyer ensuring perfect weather conditions for each drive and even stopping at gas stations to buy him treats like ice cream.
While Howdy Doody was already a local celebrity, his fame reached new heights after a video of his ride in Norfolk went viral. Clips taken by News Channel Nebraska have garnered over 11 million views on social media.
Despite the traffic stop and warning from authorities, Meyer remains determined to continue driving his beloved steer around. However, he expressed his disappointment with Norfolk and stated that he is unlikely to bring Howdy Doody there again. “It will take a lot more to stop a man and his steer,” Meyer declared.
As for his granddaughter, who initially doubted his ability to drive around with a cow, Meyer revealed that she found the police stop amusing but refused to admit that he had won their bet. According to her, he is simply a chauffeur, not a movie star.
In what ways can Howdy Doody’s owner, Meyer, find alternative ways to showcase the unique qualities of his cow without compromising public safety
In Reiman stated, “Although it’s an amusing sight, it’s important to prioritize the safety of our residents. Having a large animal like a cow in a car can be dangerous for both the animal and others on the road.”
The incident caused quite a stir among the residents of Norfolk, with many taking to social media to share photos and videos of the cow’s unexpected joyride. Some found it entertaining, while others expressed concern for both the cow and public safety.
After receiving the warning and being asked to drive the steer home, Meyer complied and safely transported Howdy Doody back to Neligh. He acknowledged that it was a mistake to take the cow for a ride through downtown Norfolk and vowed to be more considerate in the future.
Local authorities have urged residents not to attempt similar stunts, emphasizing the potential risks involved. They reminded people that while it may seem amusing, driving with an unsecured load and obstructed vision can lead to accidents.
As for Howdy Doody, he returned home unharmed and blissfully unaware of the commotion he caused. His owner, Meyer, has promised to find alternative ways to showcase his friendly steer’s unique qualities, such as participating in parades and local events.
