This is bothering me so much.... - Page 2

Christy · 08-25-2006, 03:47 PM

It could be something temporarily in place....it may be in place to break up the behavior and then removed a short time thereafter.

momma_bear · 08-25-2006, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mom2fiveinmn

it only hurts them if they try to nurse--not all the time.

Maybe it would help to look at it this way---if the bull kept nursing, the calves wouldn't get proper nourishment--it could also hurt the mommy cow if the bull was agressive.

I am sure if they were sure the bull wouldn't do it again, they would prob. remove it--but I think most of the time, they just stay in.

I have a lot of compassion for animals--raised on a farm, etc. but I have seen aggressive animals attack each other and people and it reminds me that they are not human and although I do believe they have feelings (some disagree), they aren't capable of our degree of human thought process. Mainly--it really doesn't bother the bull and is the best solution to the situation.

ITA with this. I don't think treehugger should feel silly about her feelings it makes her the person she is. We need compasionate people in the world. I also don't think there is anything wrong with what's being done and it is probably the best thing for all involved.

mommamia · 08-26-2006, 12:11 AM

It's ok to feel that way. I love animals too and try to make sure the animals I eat were raise humanely and fed quality food.

I can tell you that most of the people I have known who were into livestock raising were very protective of their stock. Alot of bulls had rings, it served as a grab if the bull tried to give you the horns, which is important with a 1500 lb animal. Sure the temporary situation of being tied up may have been distressful but I've been in the hospital and that was distressful for me too. Life isn't pretty sometimes. Also, the calf can die of malnutrition and the mom cow suffers immensely if that happens so I'm sure that was the farmer's main concern. Be sweet to the bull and lose 1 possibly 2 animals or give the bull a ring and lose none.