By Parker McKenzie
The death of an emancipated cow from a Cockatoo farm has raised questions from advocates as to whether there is enough protection for livestock within Victoria.
The cow —known as Strawberry — was discovered by the local Cockatoo community in poor condition and struggling to stand in a paddock.
Leah Folloni, a volunteer for Strong Hearts Farm Sanctuary, board member of the Animal Justice Foundation and an Animal Justice Party candidate, said she responded to reports from locals and visited the farm.
“I went there straight away and saw she was in a very poor condition needing urgent treatment,” she said.
“I called my friends at Strong Hearts Farm Sanctuary to see if they could come and help take her out. Jesse from Strong Hearts came immediately. I spoke with the farmer and he thankfully agreed to surrender her.”
The cow was transported in a float to the Strong Hearts Farm Sanctuary headquarters, where “thousands of maggots were also found in her mouth as a result of prolonged and laboured breathing through her mouth.” Ms Folloni said they knew the prognosis was slim.
“She was immediately given the strongest antibiotics possible, strong pain medication, IV fluids, an oxygen concentrator and rugged up,” she said.
“Unfortunately her body was too far gone, and she later had to be put to sleep.”
Jesse Rogers from Strong Hearts Farm Sanctuary said there are countless other stories like Strawberry the cow.
“If you have an animal that needs help that you are unable to provide, as a rescue we are not here to judge you and we are always grateful when you contact us sooner than later so we can actually give them a fighting chance. We are always here to help,” she said.
“Every one of the animals that were brought to our attention and saved was thanks to concerned members if the public, so please, if you see something, say something.”
Animals farmed for food are currently exempt from the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and are instead only covered by industry codes of practice.
Ms Folloni said there have been numerous recent incidents involving farm animals, with cows becoming stuck in the mud and unable to move for so long they had to be put down, starved calves unable to survive even with treatment and sheep dying with respiratory issues.
“If you come across an animal who needs help, make sure you document everything with videos and photos and report it immediately to your local council, DWELP, or a rescue group may be able to get in contact with the owner and get the animal the help they need,” she said.
“We are constantly frustrated by the continued lack of action by authorities and would really like to see an independent office developed to investigate cruelty and have more power to prosecute.”
RSPCA Victoria was contacted for comment.
