Current Press Releases

Cows at Large—Who’s in Charge?

Cow Shot by Officials, Animal Activists Up In Arms

Hammonton, NJ- June 20, 2003 - When two young cows escaped from Harry Jacob’s farm near the Atlantic City Expressway Tuesday afternoon, animal control officers, state and local police, and farmer Jacobs responded—armed. When the cows were spotted near the Weymouth overpass, one was shot down by an animal control officer. The young cow struggled to his feet and fled. Now Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s largest farm animal rescue and protection organization, is urging officials to remain active on the case, and has contacted Mayor John Sacchinelli, offering protective custody of the cows upon their humane capture.

According to Farm Sanctuary’s Cruelty Investigator, David Cantor, “Officials do not seem to be doing their job. Not only is this situation a possible threat to human safety with the cows in proximity to major highways, it is also a humane issue. One of these cows, if not already dead from the gunshot, is suffering immensely.” Officials, he explained, could be doing more. “They should begin by putting out food and water to attract the animals, and by carrying tranquilizer guns, not shotguns.”

Farm Sanctuary believes that animal control has a responsibility to the public as well as to the animals to insure their humane capture. According to Executive Director Lorri Bauston, “If the animal control officer in this case shot a dog, people would be outraged. Yet there is no difference between a cow or dog in their capacity to suffer and feel pain and fear.”

“In these and other escapee cases, officials responded appropriately, humanely capturing the cattle and releasing the animals to Farm Sanctuary,” said Bauston. “That is their job. We hope to be able to provide a happy ending for these cattle who deserve a new beginning.”

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.