if a cow's dying in a field--(right/wrong question from non-cow owner)

[Haviris]

I don't think anyone was disagreeing w/ shooting the cow, I think the problem was leaving the cow to die on her own for days.

 

[duckluck]

Quote:
Well, like I said, he had already done what could be done, or so he said. This cow had had it happen before. And we have few if any food animal vets over here anymore.

I called one years ago to help a goat of mine that went into labor and was very obviously stuck bad...the guy pulled the two already-dead fetuses and told me she'd be fine, even though she looked to me like she was in shock. Never gave her anything for it or anything, just pulled them. She was dead by morning. So frankly, having been where I have been with that scenario, I'd be more willing to trust that the farmer did what he felt he needed to do at this point. I don't know much about cattle and that was the first time I have ever seen a cow of his in any kind of trouble, I go past his place a lot. So all I can say is, he must be doing something right...they look well-fed and happy, except for this one occasion.

 

[duckluck]

Quote:
This is very true, especially since food animal vets are in such short supply.

 

[aggieterpkatie]

Quote:
Well, like I said, he had already done what could be done, or so he said. This cow had had it happen before. And we have few if any food animal vets over here anymore.

I called one years ago to help a goat of mine that went into labor and was very obviously stuck bad...the guy pulled the two already-dead fetuses and told me she'd be fine, even though she looked to me like she was in shock. Never gave her anything for it or anything, just pulled them. She was dead by morning. So frankly, having been where I have been with that scenario, I'd be more willing to trust that the farmer did what he felt he needed to do at this point. I don't know much about cattle and that was the first time I have ever seen a cow of his in any kind of trouble, I go past his place a lot. So all I can say is, he must be doing something right...they look well-fed and happy, except for this one occasion.

If somone knows their animal is dying and suffering, it's just plain WRONG to not end it. Sorry, but sounds like he was being lazy. Even if his other cows look fine, this was wasn't.

 

[herfrds]

We have never kept a cow that has prolapsed, they do it again and again. We sell them as slaughter no sense in passing along a problem onto someone else.

A good stockman/woman knows to check and provide care for their animal and to do the right thing if there is no way to save them.

Should have watched myself and my kids chasing a calf a few years ago trying to rope this calf on foot. None of our horses tolerate ropes.
Calf had a chin full of porcipine quills.
Vet came out with his horse and roped the calf pulled all the quills he could find. Pumped her with antibiotics and electrolites. She survived but was always small. Came up open as a first year and headed for the auction.

 

[gypsy2621]

Not to also lock horns with anyone
If you stop and think of all the new rules regulations and laws surrounding "humane" treatment of animals, whats to say and someone should do some research, maybe its illegal now in that area to just walk out and put down an animal.
In some areas it is now illegal to put down a horse that is suffering, its illegal to put down any animal by normal means ( ie: bullet).
People have gotten so over zealus as to what is and isnt humane they have forgotten to take into account how much the animals do suffer when not put down humanely.
Finding a Vet to come out to inject a lethal dose of some poison is getting rare in many places.
Disposal of said animal is so restricted now in some areas, they can not be buried on the owners property.
expensive alternatives have to be sought out, or you have to do an illegal burial and pray you dont get caught.

Personally not taking care of an animal is cruel, but also not "being" able to end the suffering is just as cruel.

 

[downtime]

I just wanted to reply to the OP. I completely understand where you're coming from, in wwondering who to call and not wanting to go knocking.

Near where we live, there is a guy that keeps cattle that get out all the time. I mean, he makes the news every month or two. The sheriff was getting pretty annoyed at needing to come out and get cows out of the road (safety issue) and the guy couldn't care less apparently. We had never paid attention to the exact area this is, it's "nearby" in a country kind of way-as in, same county.

One day last year, we were driving down a country road, and...hey, is that a COW in the road? Yup, sure is-and there's a bunch more all over the place nearby-obviously, they broke out. We checked around, tried the closest house, no answer. Saw someone down the road a bit checking their mail, so we went and talked to them. Turns out it's good no one was home, she said he probably would have answered the door with a .22 in hand. And yes, they are his cows and she'll call the sheriff. They get out all the time, he doesn't care. Oh, hey, looks like we found out there the guy with the cows that make the news lives.

Long story short, some people really don't care, and sometimes it's not the best thing to go knocking on their door. I doubt he would have fired the gun, but still. In our case it was a public safety issue so the sheriffs would have been the ones to call. In the OP's case, the SPCA locally handles farm animal cases as well, so they would have been the ones to call-and if they felt they would be threatened, they would go with the sheriffs. It does vary by location though-I would probably have started with the local animal control/humane society. Sheriffs pretty much do the public safety thing, and unless the cow was presenting a public danger, I don't they would do anything. Unless the person is already on their radar, and that just gives them ammo.

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Katy, have you ever used whiskey to get a downed cow up? Ed

 

[Katy]

Quote:
Katy, have you ever used whiskey to get a downed cow up? Ed

Nope, can't say that I have!

 

[herfrds]

downtime I don't know what the laws say in your state, but out here the law states that if your animals get out on a public road and are hit by a vehicle the owner is liable for damages. Especially if they have a history of their animals getting out.
Now if your animals get out and there is no history of them getting out and you maintain your fences you are not liable.