Betsy returns to Toowoomba’s Spotted Cow, but $1000 reward still up for grabs

The hunt for Betsy the cow is over – the famous Spotted Cow mascot has been located in a “paddock” in Toowoomba. But this isn’t your normal kind of grazing location for the bovine statue.

ON THE MOOVE: Betsy the iconic Spotted Cow mascot has been returned to her home after being discovered at The Paddock Butchery this morning. Ted Ellison – owner of the Paddock, Amelia Harney – assistant manager at the Spotted Cow and Michelle Mirandilla – activations manager at the Spotted Cow all helped load Betsy up in the ute so she could leave the paddock and return to her pub pastures. Picture: Nev Madsen.

In good news for fans of the famous Spotted Cow mascot Betsy, the missing bovine has been located in a paddock not too far from her home – literally.

According to police, the cow statue was located out the back of The Paddock, a drive-through butchery located on Ruthven St early Thursday morning.

WATCH: Famous pub’s mascot stolen, $1000 reward offered

The Paddock owner Ted Ellison said the discovery made this morning’s opening quite memorable.

“I arrived to work around 4.30am this morning and saw Betsy here and was quite surprised to see her here just out the back of the shop,” he said.

Mr Ellison said while Betsy was always welcome to visit The Paddock, she would not be calling the butchery her new home anytime soon.

“We’ve loaded her up on the ute and she’s now headed home to The Spotted Cow,” he said.

“Of course we were happy to have her for the short term but it’s time she went back to the pub’s pastures.”

Amelia Harney – assistant manager at the Spotted Cow. The Spotted Cow Hotel's Betsy found at The Paddock. Thursday, April 29, 2021. Picture: Nev Madsen.

The Paddock staff member Maxine Nunn said she knew exactly who Betsy was when she arrived to work this morning.

“She definitely fit in well here, she looked right at home,” she said.

“I suppose every cow wants to go to a good paddock.”

While Mr Ellison said he wasn’t aware of how Betsy made it to The Paddock or who was behind her relocation, he did point our her shiny new hoof accessories as a logical mode of transportation for the beloved bovine icon.

“Someone’s given Betsy some shiny new wheels so they’ve obviously wheeled her down here last night or earlier this morning and left her here so we could return her to her rightful owners,” he said.

While the $1000 reward to be spent at the pub was still on offer to Betsy’s heroes, The Spotted Cow staff said they were just overjoyed to see their favourite Friesian cow returned to the 120-year-old Toowoomba pub.

“She really is an iconic character and important part of the pub, people have really missed seeing her around the place and having their photo taken with her,” assistant manager Amelia Harney said.

“She certainly has been missed and we will be taking a lot more care with her security wise from now on, bringing her in of a night time and making sure we keep two eyes on her at all times.”

Police on Wednesday confirmed they received reports of the theft, which was alleged to have occurred between April 16 and 17.

While it’s not clear what Betsy’s whereabouts have been since the theft occurred, The Chronicle has noticed some major changes in Betsy’s appearance, particularly in regards to her horns, hide and hoofs which appear to have received special care and now have a new sheen to them.

Ted Ellison – owner of the Paddock, Michelle Mirandilla – activations manager at the Spotted Cow and Amelia Harney – assistant manager at the Spotted Cow load old Betsy up into the ute following her recent discovery. Picture: Nev Madsen.

A spokeswoman for The Spotted Cow said the pub’s staff had confirmed Betsy’s identity as the Friesian was easily identified by a crack running along her back, an injury the 20-year-old mascot received at a previous event.

Investigations into Betsy’s theft and remarkable return are still underway.

A PR company engaged by the hotel started a campaign earlier this week to #BRINGBETSYHOME.

The hashtag received hundreds of shares on social media platforms.

The story also went viral across news platforms, and even featured on Channel 7 morning program Sunrise.

If you know anything about Betsy’s disappearance or return contact [e-mail] or @thespottedcowhotel.

Originally published as Betsy returns to Toowoomba’s Spotted Cow, but $1000 reward still up for grabs