Cows are sweet friendly animals that spend most of their time chewing cud in small herds, babysit other calves and even play hide-and-seek!
The Met Office says it’s a myth that cows can predict the weather – if they are lying down, it’s likely they are just having a rest!
Cows have strong maternal instincts, which is why separating them in the dairy industry (calves are either shot or become veal in most cases) causes such stress for both.
Herds have strong social connections, which is free-range organic farming is so important, for people that eat beef or drink milk.
Always Follow the Countryside Code
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep livestock safe (and also you and your dogs). Follow signs and keep to marked paths, and follow farmer advice if animals are being moved
Keep dogs under control and in sight. Put dogs on leads on Open Access land (a legal requirement between 1 March and 31 July). Also for your dog’s safety, as spooked cattle charge (even without calves).
If you see any barnyard friend you are concerned about, call the farmer for a friendly chat. Or if no joy, call RSPCA.
Try Plant-Based Milks & Meats
Oat milk is high in fibre and protein and sold everywhere. Brands like Re-Rooted and Oato (sold in supermarkets) are locally-made and often in glass bottles. This also supports local farmers, and has no cholesterol.
All supermarkets now sell plant-based versions of burgers, steak & mince. These again have no cholesterol, and you can recycle packaging at supermarket bag bins. Try:
Vivera Steaks are simple to prepare, just fry for 10 minutes. Good with new potatoes and salad or vegetables. The same company also makes vegan mince, ideal for a spaghetti bolognese.
Also look in stores for Moving Mountains vegan burgers.
The Reality of Cattle Farming
Chantal Kaufmann (this cow ran for her life, and now in a sanctuary).
Outdoor-reared cattle often have to come inside during winter due to freak weather changes. Most beef cattle spend the end of their lives crammed in pens to fatten them up before slaughter. Compassion in World Farming has extensive information on cow and calf welfare.
If you eat meat, please don’t eat or buy veal. Cruel veal crates are now banned in the UK, but until we get a ban on live exports.
Calves (sometimes just 14 days old) are live-exported to live in tiny crates where they can’t turn around, and fed a poor diet to produce ‘white’ meat, before being slaughtered in countries with poorer animal welfare laws.
CIWF wants indoor housing to have clean comfy resting peace with straw bedding, until they can enjoy the outdoors. Livestock farming also contributes to greenhouse gases (both from factories and methane emissions).
Around 80% of Amazon forest has been destroyed to create pasture land for cattle used to sell as beef, usually abroad. China and the USA buy most of it, but the UK and Ireland buy Brazilian beef (usually sold as corned beef).
