Shade for Calves in Shepparton

Shepparton is in the midst of Victoria’s northern dairying district, and its saleyards can overflow with young bobby calves during the winter. But even in summer farmers arrive to drop them off for sale and subsequent slaughter. In mid-January investigator Diana Simpson found a group of calves without shelter in the cement yards suffering severe heat stress (above). Complaints were immediately lodged and video footage dispatched to authorities.

Animals Australia took up the case with Shepparton City Council management—owners and operators of the saleyards. A senior manager quickly acknowledged a previous commitment to erect shade cloth for all calves on hot days had been breached. New arrangements are now in place, and there will be no more calves held in unroofed yards. The Council has also approved funding for the entire saleyards to be roofed and work will be completed by the end of this year; the protection will therefore be extended to all animals going through that facility.

Few people realise that 1 million bobby calves are discarded by dairy industry each year. Click here to find out how you can help dairy calves!

 

See also:Victory! New Hope for Bobby Calves1 Million Bobby Calves Need Your Help!Opinion: Sucked In: It's udderly ridiculousBattery dairy of 8,000 cows sparks protestsFact Sheet: Dairy Cows

Few people realise that the dairy industry is responsible for massive animal suffering and the continual premature and distressing separation of days-old calves from their mothers. Find out more...