Runaway steer at parade causes stir at Parliament House in Perth

A steer has made a brazen escape from his handlers during a parade in Perth, leading them on a chase through the grounds of Parliament House.

The bull called Winston, alongside a heifer named Clementine, was taking part in an event for ‘R U OK? Day’ today when he made his bolt for freedom. 

He was being awarded a ribbon during the parade, in front of Parliament House, when he ploughed towards a pack of news cameramen.

The steer then lapped Parliament House, taking a tour of the building and even stopping oncoming traffic before his handler took hold, leading Winston back to the waiting press conference.

Clementine the cow also put on a show when she had her time in the limelight.

“That cow’s p------ it in,” Regional Affairs Minister Alannah MacTiernan joked.

Winston and Clementine are both being donated for sale at the upcoming annual Perth Royal show by Dardanup farmer Peter Milton, the ABC reports.

Donated funds will go to mental illness research institute The Black Dog Institute.

“It was Winston’s first day out of the shed in three months, his first public appearance. I guess he got a bit embarrassed,” Mr Milton told the ABC.

“He will be on his best behaviour, the sting’s taken out of him now.”

The wild chase caused quite a stir among politicians and reporters. 

"Usually more bull less cow around here," MP Margaret Quirk joked on Twitter.

While the rampage wasn’t planned, Mr Milton welcomed the attention Winston stirred around mental health.

"We've found the steer is a great way to open the door, to get people to talk about mental health," he said.

Winston is expected to make several appearances before his auction, including at a barbecue in Mandurah tomorrow.