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A cow has died in agony after eating a discarded condom in a popular Gloucestershire cruising spot.

The animal’s digestive system failed when the used rubber became entwined in its gut, forcing a vet to terminate the Hereford Cross’ life.

The farmer and landowner, who does not wish to be identified, said condoms are regularly left on the ground and remain a constant cause of concern.

He told Pink Paper: “It’s not just the value of the cow, and the distress it must have endured, but the time spent looking after the animal, medical fees and the vet’s bill. It was both expensive and an unnecessary expense, which could have been avoided had people taken more care.”

Condoms and other related litter, such as lube sachets, sex magazines and even clothing, are repeatedly left in the area – despite pleas from local farmers.

Intelligence and experience indicates that people travel long distances from all over the country to use the site as a public sex environment, according to Detective inspector Jan Blomfield, Crime Management Unit, Cotswold and Stroud Division. “It’s a public sex environment as well as working land, a rural residential area and much loved beauty spot for walkers,” he said.

The primary concern for the police is the safety of all users – and the quality of life for residents and farmers upon whom such anti-social and criminal behaviour is impacting.

Talks are now taking place between Gloucestershire Constabulary and a number of interested parties such as Cotswold District Council, National Trust, English Heritage and sexual health workers to bring solutions to the area.

“We want people using the site as a public sex environment to consider their own behaviour and actions, not only with regard to the environment but in relation to residents, farmers and other site users,” said Blomfield.
“The litter problem, for example, considerably hardens attitudes and ultimately, if people don’t self-regulate, the law has to take its course.”