Incredible Rescuers Step in to Save Neglected Calves Who Were Cast Off by the Dairy Industry

Recently, twelve calves were bought from the dairy industry by a local activist and transported to a supposed “rescue center” in Southern California. Sadly, the “rescue” didn’t provide the necessary veterinary care these calves desperately needed. A week later, one died, another had to be euthanized by a veterinarian and a third calf died later. Only nine remained.

That’s where Animal Place, a farm animal sanctuary located in Grass Valley, California came in. The sanctuary agreed to rescue three of the babies, but when their adoption manager, Kelcie arrived, she encountered a horrific scene. The calves were covered in their own feces. The stalls hadn’t been cleaned and the calves were all under some degree of respiratory distress. The animals were only being fed twice a day when they should have had feedings every 3-4 hours. One calf was knocking on death’s door and pain relief was provided, but before Kelcie could rush him to the vet, he passed. Now only eight remained.

Animal Place made the decision to transport all eight of the calves to UC Davis, where they had the best chance of survival. One calf went septic and had to be euthanized. Now only seven remained. Even in the face of adversity, Animal Place refused to give up.

The little ones immediately received IV fluids at UC Davis and electrolytes for their diarrhea. X-rays revealed all had pneumonia. Further tests showed that the calves had untreated Salmonella, E. coli, cryptosporidia (a parasite), and coronavirus (a respiratory virus). 

Animal Places notes on their Facebook page that they have brought four of the six calves back to their sanctuary from UC Davis. So far, Animal Place has spent $10,000 helping these gentle souls, now dubbed the “SoCal 7”. If you are able to Donate towards their continued care, you can do so here. 

The suffering of cows inherent in the dairy industry is largely overlooked by most people. Because cows naturally produce milk and aren’t killed in the process of milking – unlike cows raised for meat – there is an enormous misconception that cows in the dairy industry live happy lives. However, in order for dairy cows to produce milk, they have to be impregnated and give birth to a calf, for whom this milk is intended. Sadly, because milk is considered a commodity meant for human consumption, babies born into the dairy industry are separated from their mothers mere moments after birth.

While the suffering of mother cows is heartbreaking, the experience for calves is no better. Only a small portion of female calves are raised to become dairy cows like their mothers, those that can’t be used by the dairy farmer are sold to become veal or raised as a beef cow. Male calves are considered “waste” to the dairy industry and are typically all sold for veal or beef. Considered little more than a “means to an end,” dairy calves are fated to short lives filled with misery.

Please help educate your friends and family about the truth of the dairy industry by sharing this post with them! To learn more about Animal Place and the incredible work they do on behalf of farm animals, visit their website.

Image source: Animal Place