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In what the Westminster Police Department described as an “unfortunate, difficult, and unusual situation,” two cows scheduled for slaughter were shot after escaping a farm.
The cows were reportedly being prepared for the butcher when they escaped their Maryland farm and charged into a residential neighborhood. One cow briefly entered a strength-and-conditioning gym. The gym’s owner said:
I was probably more scared than the cow, and I took off and ran to the other side of the gym. Then the cow ran right back out the door that he came in.
According to Westminster Common Council member Tony Chiavacci, the cows headbutted several cars. They also charged at pedestrians, and a young child suffered minor injuries after being struck.
While authorities claim all parties “involved were doing their best to avoid having to euthanize these animals,” both cows were eventually shot in the street.
The Grim Truth
This heartbreaking story reveals a brutal truth: that there is nothing farmed animals can do to avoid their fates. While some escaped animals have happy endings, most are captured and sent to slaughter anyway or even—in the interest of protecting people and property—gunned down in the street.
Cows are incredibly complex and intelligent. They are social animals who enjoy spending time with and sleeping close to their friends and family. Cows also have amazing memories and can learn and respond to their names—much like the animals who share our homes! And just like humans, cows carry their young for nine months and suckle them for nine to 12 months, creating lifelong bonds.
Despite all this, cows and other farmed animals cannot protect themselves from the meat, egg, and dairy industries. It’s up to us all to take a stand. Start today by choosing more plant-based foods. Download our FREE How to Eat Veg guide.