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Jasmine the Rescued Dairy Calf Advocates for Her Species
Jasmine the Rescued Dairy Calf Advocates for Her Species
Most people overlook the suffering of cows in the dairy industry. 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.
For dairy cows to produce milk, they have to be impregnated and give birth to a calf, for whom this milk is intended. However, because milk is 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 of calves is no better. A small portion of female calves are raised to become dairy cows like their mothers. The others 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.
Like many other calves in the dairy industry, Jasmine was considered worthless to the dairy farmer who owned her. In an effort to make some sort of profit, the farmer opted to sell her to a couple who expressed interest in her. This kind-hearted but inexperienced family, however, was completely unprepared to cope with Jasmine's physical and mental ailments after being separated from her mother in such an untimely manner. The small calf’s health deteriorated quickly, and her caretakers were overwhelmed with endless veterinary bills, but no matter how much medicine or special feed she was given, Jasmine’s health continued to diminish. What Jasmine really needed was an experienced and caring hand to take over the role that her mother left off – in addition to her medication.
After a series of failed attempts to save Jasmine, her caretakers called Edgar’s Mission Farm Animal Sanctuary for help. Luckily, this skilled team of compassionate professionals was more than willing to take on the little calf, and her transfer was immediately arranged. Poor, sickly Jasmine only had a few hours of life left in her when she arrived at Edgar’s Mission. Fortunately, Jasmine still had a strong will to live and after much medical care and treatment, she's on the road to recovery.
She now spends her days romping through the fields of the sanctuary, playing with some of her lamb friends at Edgar’s and has even made friends with the resident cat! With lots of care from her human companions and her new animal friends at the sanctuary, Jasmine is doing as well as can be expected and the Edgar’s team believes she’ll pull through and grow up to be a happy, healthy cow.
The early days of Jasmine's life before rescue is the common story for calves in the dairy industry. This little cow is an exception to the rule in that she was pulled out of this deplorable existence thanks to Edgar’s Mission Farm Sanctuary. We all have a duty to recognize how our consumption habits impact others around us. In the case of dairy, it is up to us to dispel the myth that cows don’t suffer in the production of milk. We all have a choice to support suffering or remove ourselves from this vicious cycle and choose a truly cruelty-free alternative. With a plethora of plant-based dairy substitutes on the market, choosing a kinder option has never been easier – or more delicious!
Acting with compassion for animals – ALL animals – is the goal of KindMeal.my. Only when we understand where our food comes from can we make kinder choices.
Source: http://goo.gl/8aeMYo
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