A resilient cow destined for a trip to a slaughterhouse has taken control of her own fate, smashing through a metal fence, flattening a farmer and swimming to a nearby island.

Workers attempted to load the stubborn bovine onto a truck bound for an abattoir in Poland last month but it quickly became pretty clear she wasn’t having a bar of it.

The beast instead rammed the fence in the escape, breaking one of the farmworker’s arms in the process.

Putting her swimming skills to the test, the cow then entered Lake Nysa and even dived under water as she made her way over to an island where she found sanctuary from abattoir workers.

View photos The brave cow has captured the nation's heart after she refused to make the trip to her fate. Source: Facebook/Paweł Kukiz More

The cow's owner, identified only as Mr Lukasz, quickly realised his attempts to retrieve the frightened cow were futile. He instead made sure she had enough food and water on her new island home.

When firefighters attempted to use a boat to retrieve her, she swam another 50 metres to a neighbouring peninsula.

Her story of incredible bravery has captured the Polish nation’s heart, including local politician and former singer Pawel Kukiz, who is offering to save the “hero cow”.

View photos The cow is now comfortable living on her new island and has no intention of leaving, according to her owner. Source: Facebook/Paweł Kukiz More

"If all citizens could show such determination as this cow then Poland would be a much more prosperous country,” he said.

"I am not a vegetarian, but fortitude and the will to fight for this cow's life is invaluable.

"Therefore, I have decided to do everything to get the cow delivered to a safe place and, as a reward for her attitude, guarantee her a long-term retirement and natural death."