Pregnant cow on the lam

Everything went wrong at the California State Fair in Sacramento in July when a pregnant cow broke loose from an exhibit at a birthing barn.

According to KCRA News, the cow stampeded through the midway area just after 9:30 a.m. A veterinarian gave police permission to shoot the agitated 1,400-pound Holstein. “She wasn’t predictable and she was a little mean,” the vet said on camera.

The upshot is that the University of California-Davis has called for a complete review of animal use and handling procedures for all animals intended for public exhibition at the state fair and for the veterinary emergency response team to develop a plan and training for public safety officials who must deal with large, unrestrained animals in public places and on roadways.

Better Farming - October 2010