Rescue & Adoptions

Adoption Stories

Murray, Miles and Mack

Newborn dairy-breed males like Murray, Miles and Mack are of little economic value since they can't be used for milk production, and often sell for only a few dollars at livestock auctions. Dairy farmers often give the calves to anyone...for any purpose.

An Arizona dairy farmer gave his unwanted male calves away — even though the person who picked them up transported the animals by throwing them into the trunk of a car.The calves were discovered when a Phoenix, AZ police officer pulled over the car because it didn't have a license plate. The police heard noises coming from the trunk, and when it was opened, six calves were found stuffed inside. The two-day old animals were hog-tied, covered with feces and near death. The calves were taken to the Arizona Humane Society where they received intensive care, but, sadly, two of the calves died. When the surviving four calves were strong enough, one was adopted locally and the remaining three were brought to our California Shelter.

Immediately upon their arrival, the calves were given an uproarious Farm Sanctuary welcome by the shelter's entire adult cattle herd! When they heard the mooing of our new calf boys, our big bovines galloped down from their barn, craned their necks over the fence towards the calves' pen, and loudly bellowed their "hellos" for several minutes. It was a precious moment that won't soon be forgotten by Farm Sanctuary staff and volunteers, or the members of the media. All three network television stations were there to film the calves' arrival — and help educate the public about the cruelty of dairy and meat production.

The entire cattle herd welcomed the new arrivals in a mooooving display of cow comraderie

Farm Sanctuary member participation helped to ensure the successful prosecution of the abuser. In a letter from the prosecuting attorney, County Attorney Richard M. Romley stated:

My office has recently received numerous letters relating to the mistreatment of six calves by defendant Juan A. Mora. Your "Urgent Action Alert" to Farm Sanctuary members, which brought this matter to their attention, has been successful in heightening public awareness of this serious situation. You are to be congratulated for your effort in making sure that we are aware of not only your opinion, but the opinion of your many members...It is my intention to forward to the appropriate court personnel the letters received from individuals expressing an interest in this matter...We are confident that the Court will take into account the opinions expressed in the letters received...Please be assured that I, as Maricopa County Attorney, take allegations of cruelty to animals very seriously. We shall be asking the Court to impose a jail term on Mr. Mora. We believe this action will hold Mr. Mora accountable and will deter others from similar conduct.

After living and growing with us for 7 months, these courageous calves were adopted by a loving, vegetarian family, who wrote to share with us an update on how "the boys" have become important members of their family. The family wrote:

"Murray, Mac and Miles were a first for our family - dogs, cats, and other more common animals had always been the companions we'd shared our life with. When the boys arrived we realized what we had been missing all these years! I work out of my home and the boys often spend their afternoons lying in the sun outside my office, hoping I won't forget treat time. I realize how fortunate I am to have a dog laying at my feet, a cat or two curled up on my desk, and three cows at my door! Murray, Mac and Miles still come running when you call, "Little men!," words they first learned from the staff at Farm Sanctuary. These three contented cows love the companionship of people and other animals. Our miniature dachshund, Brinkley, seems to be their favorite. I catch them occasionally standing nose to nose with this dog, who is a fraction of their size, as if they were sharing some important secret."

If you or someone you know may be interested in sharing your heart and home with a rescued farm animal, please click here for information on Farm Sanctuary's Farm Animal Adoption Network.