Deconstructing the Myth: Happy Cows

Slideshow presentation about happy meat/cows from "The Humane Myth". See the complete slideshow at http://www.humanemyth.org/happycows.htm

For decades, advertising firms hired by the dairy and veal industry have been producing multi-million dollar campaigns promoting the idea that dairy products from "happy cows" are healthy and wholesome.

In order to maintain uninterrupted milk production, cows are forced year after year to go through an endless cycle of pregancy and birth, only to have their calves immediately taken from them. Cows and calves cry out for each other as they are separated.

All forms of dairy farming involve forcibly impregnating cows. This involves a person inserting his arm far into the cow's rectum in order to position the uterus, and then forcing an instrument into her vagina. The restraining apparatus used is commonly called a "rape rack."

Half of all calves born are male. Of no use in milk production, they are sent to veal-producing operations or directly to auctions where they are sold and slaughtered when they are just a few days old. Male calves used for veal production suffer a crude castration process and are killed after 4 months spent in small crates or pens.

After just 4 to 6 years, dairy cows are "spent" from being forced to continuously produce milk. Often weak and ill, they endure transport to auction and slaughter, both of which are traumatic for these gentle animals. If allowed to exist free of exploitation and slaughter, cows can live 25 years or more.