The European cattle could help the security industry through the dark days of the economic downturn, according to some.
Scientists from the University of Lyffe, Belgium, claim the cattle – fitted with infrared, thermal and HD CCTV cameras, along with the latest in motion detection and analytics software – are already being used by several large rural firms who have needed to terminate their security guarding contracts due to the recession.
“The cattle are easily trained to undertake rudimentary guard tours,” said Hans Friekit, head of the university research team which first had the idea of strapping a camera to a cow.
“They are a lot like security sheep in that sense. Another plus is their large size, which can deter a near-sighted would-be intruder. And, of course, anyone wearing red or scarlet is likely to receive an unwelcome trampling.
“The Return on Investment with a security cow or bull is really very attractive. They are not unionised as yet and they are unaware of the need for pension plans, or, indeed, salaries.
“The only downside, really, is their susceptibility to distraction by hay or grass.”
Images broadcast by the security cattle are recorded and stored until such time as a human is able to be employed in order to view them. So far, the evidence recorded by the cows suggests that the low crime rate in rural fields and near farm outbuildings is set to continue.