POLICE in the capital’s Dangkor district have seized 15 wayward cows and bulls after a recent spate of incidents in which lustful bulls have vigorously pursued potential mates, disrupting traffic and endangering passersby, officials said.

Authorities began rounding up the animals, which are in breeding season, last week following an order issued by Phnom Penh Governor Kep Chuktema.

Khin Sim, first deputy chief of Dangkor’s Pong Teak commune, said officials had noticed that cows were wandering about “in anarchy”, strolling across Russian Boulevard and the public park near Phnom Penh International Airport.

“We have educated local villagers for a year not to release their cows in the street because it causes many traffic accidents, but villagers have ignored the advice,” said Khin Sim.

Villagers, he said, should be especially wary now that it is breeding season, as libidinous bulls are more likely to chase after desirable mates.

“The villagers know that breeding season can be very dangerous for passersby, because the bulls run after the female cows for breeding,” Khin Sim said. “Recently in my commune, someone was knocked unconscious after he was struck by a bull.”

Commune authorities have agreed to buy seven of the animals seized last week; they are to be slaughtered and used as food for soldiers stationed at Preah Vihear temple, Khin Sim said.

Officials are still waiting for the owners of the eight remaining animals to take responsibility for them.