Cow, Calf Shot Dead at Fair; Vet Blames Victim

A tragic incident today at the California State Fair illustrates just how happy the state's "happy cows" really are.

This morning a pregnant cow who was on exhibit -- yes, you read that right -- broke free. Veterinarians tried to tranquilize her, but the gun didn't fire. So supposedly to prevent human injuries or death, the supervising veterinarian gave police permission to shoot the cow.

She was shot several times in her side because police didn't know "how to properly euthanize" a cow. I'm sure proper euthanasia would have meant that the calf -- a source of future profit -- would live. But the cow and her calf both died. And, I hate to say this, but it's probably just as well, considering the life dairy cows lead.

The veterinarian added insult to injury (or death, in this case).

The supervising veterinarian at the fair said the animal was angry and upset.

"I think she's a nutcase," Dr. Ben Norman said. "She doesn't respond too well."

[...]

"My decision was, because I didn't want to cause any problems with the people here at the fair," Norman said. "She wasn't predictable ... also, she's a little mean."

I'd be a "little mean," too, if I were imprisoned, about to give birth and on display and I knew my baby was going to be stolen from me like my previous ones had been.

And for a doctor to use the term "nutcase," it's insulting to the cow and to people who have mental-health disorders. This situation is simply further evidence that most veterinarians, especially those charged with tending to farmed animals, don't have the animals' best interests at heart.

Witness Carolyn Hayden, who filmed the incident, was upset after the shooting.

"I will tell everybody what I saw," witness Carolyn Hayden said. "It was awful, it was like the worst thing I've ever seen happen."

Last summer a pregnant cow at the the Kalamazoo (Mich.) County Fair broke free as she was being unloaded into the Miracle of Birth tent. She was to remain on display until she gave birth, a common attraction at these disgusting events.

After 45 minutes she was barricaded after being lured into a corner by the sight of a newly born calf.

If you're still consuming dairy, please put yourself in the position of these cows. Their suffering is unimaginable. Please don't support it.

(Photo of the cow at last year's Kalamazoo County Fair, courtesy of Sam Zomer/ Special to the Kalamazoo Gazette.)