Neglected Dairy Calves Find Safe Haven at California Sanctuaries

Animal Place and Farm Sanctuary Rescue Sickly Calves from Dairy Industry

July 8, 2011 –

Vacaville, CA and Orland, CA –

Animal Place, which operates two facilities – a 600-acre sanctuary in Grass Valley, CA and a 60-acre farmed animal adoption center in Vacaville- and Farm Sanctuary which operates the largest rescue and refuge network for farm animals in North America have taken in five sickly calves, discards of the dairy industry. All five calves arrived Friday, July 8th, to Animal Place’s Rescue Ranch facility in Vacaville. Two will be transported to Animal Place’s 600-acre sanctuary in Grass Valley while three will head to Farm Sanctuary’s 300-acre refuge in Orland.

Todd Stosuy of Santa Cruz Animal Services was alerted by neighbors regarding the five calves. Upon arrival, he and an accompanying veterinarian found malnourished calves in a small dirt pen, skin and bones. Knowing the lives of the calves were at risk, Stosuy confiscated all five. The person who bought the calves at auction released custody of them to avoid penalties.

Both Animal Place and Farm Sanctuary responded immediately to Stosuy’s plea for help, offering to take in the five calves, giving them a safe haven where they will be treated as individuals, not commodities.

“Male calves are treated like garbage by the dairy industry,” says Marji Beach, Animal Place Education Manager. “These are the unhappy cows the dairy industry doesn’t want you to see. Calves are stripped from their moms at birth and sent to auction, selling for a measly five bucks. We are grateful Todd Stosuy and Santa Cruz Animal Services treats cruelty to calves as seriously as cruelty to puppies.”

“Throughout our 25 year history, Farm Sanctuary has rescued countless victims of the dairy industry and witnessing its callous disregard for animals never gets any easier,” says Leanne Cronquist, Farm Sanctuary’s California Shelter Director. “Calves are every bit as playful and sensitive as cats and dogs, who we would never allow to be treated in this way, and they deserve the same respect and consideration. We are excited to welcome these babies to our sanctuary, and hope people will think of them the next time they are at the grocery store and making a choice between cow’s milk or a healthier, non-dairy milk made from almonds, coconut or soy.”

California is the largest producer of dairy products in the country, home to nearly two million cows. To produce milk, cows must give birth. Female calves replace their mothers who are sent to slaughter at a fraction of their lifespan. Day old male calves are sold at auction for either “cheap dairy beef” or “bob veal.” At both Animal Place and Farm Sanctuary, these five calves will be some of the lucky few who will get to live their lives out in peace.

Media Inquiries

Marji Beach
Animal Place
Work: 530-798-5114

Meredith Turner
Farm Sanctuary
646-369-6212
mturner@farmsanctuary.org

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