As Tuesday’s [July 27] shooting of a pregnant Holstein illustrates, state fairs are not fair for farm animals. The sensory stimulation that excites and entertains humans is nothing short of terrifying and intimidating for cows. When forced into such an environment, these gentle animals become nervous and heed their natural instinct to flee to the calm and quiet to which they should be accustomed. That police shot and killed this panicked mother who was simply reacting the way any mother would to protect her life and the life of her unborn calf (who was also killed) is an appalling tragedy that should never have happened.
So long as living, breathing animals continue to be put on public display while at their most vulnerable, to give birth in front of a crowd of gawking spectators, these senseless tragedies will continue to occur. It is time to put an end to the cruel and traumatic practice of displaying these animals at fairs.
Those who wish to see farm animals in a more natural habitat are invited to visit one of Farm SanctuaÂry’s two shelters in upstate New York and northern California, where rescued farm animals, once neglected and abused, now enjoy their lives free from fear and pain.
Leanne Cronquist
California Shelter Director
Farm Sanctuary
(farm animal protection organization)
