Big public reaction to cow story
Additional information came to light too late for inclusion in the article
THE ZO article regarding an injured cow euthanised last Wednesday by SPCA inspectors, has caused a public outcry.
The animal was presumably struck by a vehicle in Alton and its orphaned calf is now being hand-raised.
Owing to a shortage of available vets, the SPCA ran from pillar to post to deal with the problem – from receiving the report on Monday until Wednesday when a vet was located to assess the cow’s condition before she was humanely destroyed.
SPCA Inspector Shelly Prinsloo, visibly emotional after the ordeal, said their work was difficult at best of times.
‘The cow was not lying on the road helplessly. She was standing and still walking, but slower and with a limp.
‘No open wounds were observed, but we saw swelling on the right rear hock.’
According to legislation, an animal can only be euthanised after examination by a vet or when two people of sound judgment agree that the injuries are so severe that the animal ought to be destroyed.
Two SPCA inspectors, a committee member and the pound master of a private pound were unable to determine the extent of the injury and the decision was made even more complicated because of the calf.
The cow was regularly checked on and supplied with fresh water.
The owner was also issued with a warning to secure a vet and proof of treatment within 24 hours.
The private vet, secured by the SPCA, on Wednesday finally confirmed a broken leg and said nothing could be done to save her.
According to Prinsloo the vet said euthanasia would be the kindest option.
‘We contacted the owner who met us at the scene. The vet explained there was nothing that could be done
for his cow.
‘The calf was then removed from its mother and the SPCA destroyed the cow.
‘The vet said the calf would be fine being hand-raised, as it’s a strong, healthy calf.’
The condition of the cow was reported by a member of the public and the SPCA was telephonically interviewed shortly before and while on the scene.
Additional information came to light too late for inclusion in the article.
Shortly after the report, the SPCA attended to another accident near the Engen Garage in Alton, where a cow was struck and so severely injured that it had to be euthanised on the scene.
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