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Three calves, now known as Dancer, Prancer and Vixen, spent Christmas at an Okanagan animal sanctuary instead of the slaughterhouse as originally planned.
Summerland based organization Critteraid recused the animals after a dairy farm employee sent out a call for help days before the three calves were scheduled to slaughtered off.
That call for help was answered by Kelowna activist Amy Sorrano, who then worked with Critteraid to rescue the calves from a dairy farm in Abbotsford.
“An employee at the dairy farm had a change in heart about sending these male calves off to slaughter and wanted to try and find them forever homes,” said Jade Dittaro with Critteraid.
“Critteraid has now taken them in at the sanctuary where the claves will be nursed back to health as they are without their mothers, which is an unfortunate by-product of the dairy industry.”
Volunteers will now bottle-feed and care for the animals at the Summerland property’s barn and pasture as Critteraid works find the three calves a forever home.
The animal sanctuary is also home to cows, pigs, alpacas, dogs, cats and even roosters in need of welfare.
Critteraid hosts educational tours of the farm where members of the public can learn about animal welfare and help out with the creatures.
“Our mandate is to improve animal welfare in our community and beyond so people can learn about the darker side of the food industry that animals like these calves are exposed to,” explained Dittaro.
“Public education was a big part in rescuing these animals and a good example of what can be done to reduce animal suffering.”
According to Critteraid, the organization will soon inform the public about how people can potentially sponsor Dancer, Prancer and Vixen.
The organization does have a GoFundMe set up to help care for the calves that had surpassed $4,000 as of Boxing Day.
Funds raised go towards the transportation, vet bills, bottles, formula and other expenses needed for the three calves.
To learn more about Critteraid and the work the organization does, click here.
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