As many of you know, in the past we have been involved with rescuing dairy calves from livestock auctions so they do not become veal. When male calves are born at dairies they are a by-product and are unwanted by the dairy. Male calves usually become veal, either by being dumped at a livestock auction or picked up directly from the dairy by a veal man. At some dairies they don’t even get a chance to live, their neck is broken when they are born or they’re put in the back of the dairy to starve/thirst to death.
We made contact with one local dairy who said they didn’t want to give any calves to us. We gave them our number and told them that we would be available if they ever needed us to take some. We got a call on Thursday from the dairy and they said that someone had ordered 3 calves, but they didn’t end up buying them. If we wanted them we could buy them for $10 each.
Soon our rescue team was heading to the dairy to pick up the babies. The cows at the dairy looked on wide eyed, wondering what was up.
This is the life of the dairy cows at this dairy.
The precious babies were loaded into the van.
The cows on the other side of the walkway watched on with wonder. You could tell they were thinking “What are they doing with the precious babies?”
The little babies were wide eyed wondering what was happening too. They were going for their first car ride.
We would like you to meet Boomer.
This little guy is named Bucky.
Last but not least, this is Banjo.
They are just the most adorable little guys. They were 1 day old when they were rescued. If we had not purchased them the dairy said they would have killed them.
Soon it was time for their first meal. What yummy warm food it was for them too.
After their little tummies were full they laid down for a peaceful nap.
When the babies were sleeping, Cathy headed out to get some additional calf supplies. We would like to thank Jennifer G. for donating for the rescue and initial care of these babies.
Parcy, our resident steer, was once a baby just like the little guys in this blog. He was taken to a livestock auction where we purchased him for $5. He is now a big boy and loves sticking his nose into everything, even the camera. Click on the photo to see it larger.
Note: The calves were posted on Facebook and have found an adoptive home. If you are interested in saving a calf, contact a local dairy and place your order. There are over 4,000,000 unwanted male calves born to the dairy industry every year. If Banjo, Bucky and Boomer have inspired you to save a calf, contact your local dairy today.