Here in New Zealand, the general consensus is that our dairy farmers treat their cows exceptionally well when in actual fact that's not always the case.
Many a time I have driven past farms where the cows are on the path wandering slowly towards the milking shed, heads down, udders bursting. It has made me wonder just how they feel.
And, recently a farmer was jailed for cruelty to the cows in his herd....won't go into details but if you do want to read more: Farmer Jailed
And presently we are in drought conditions. The sight of animals, both sheep and cows trying to find food on dry and barren farms are a constant "news item". What appalls me is the lack of shade on these farms.
Oh there's the odd one that has trees, but the majority of land is tree-less and these animals are subjected to the heat of the sun. This happens in summer here regardless of whether it's a drought or not.
Now, I'm not saying that all farmers disrespect their animals, on the contrary, yes New Zealand is probably one of the better countries for treatment of dairy cows , but it also has a long way to go.
I'm just talking about the day to day life of a cow or sheep who is lucky enough to stay alive……….I read in the news this morning that the price of meat is coming down due to the fact that the market has been flooded because "we're all killing these animals flat tack, that's created the price." (quoted from online TVNZ news).
I wonder, if there was ever a great food shortage, whether people would be slaughtered? No, I'm just being silly…..cows are just animals, a money source - they don't have feelings.
And presently we are in drought conditions. The sight of animals, both sheep and cows trying to find food on dry and barren farms are a constant "news item". What appalls me is the lack of shade on these farms.Oh there's the odd one that has trees, but the majority of land is tree-less and these animals are subjected to the heat of the sun. This happens in summer here regardless of whether it's a drought or not.
Now, I'm not saying that all farmers disrespect their animals, on the contrary, yes New Zealand is probably one of the better countries for treatment of dairy cows , but it also has a long way to go.
I'm just talking about the day to day life of a cow or sheep who is lucky enough to stay alive……….I read in the news this morning that the price of meat is coming down due to the fact that the market has been flooded because "we're all killing these animals flat tack, that's created the price." (quoted from online TVNZ news).
I wonder, if there was ever a great food shortage, whether people would be slaughtered? No, I'm just being silly…..cows are just animals, a money source - they don't have feelings.
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