Two Photo Ops: Calf Confiscated From Backseat of Car Journeys to New Sanctuary Home

For Immediate Release:
November 19, 2014

Contact:
Katie MacDonald 202-483-7382

Riverside, Calif. –

The story of the days-old calf confiscated from an apparent kidnapper’s car by Riverside County officials earlier this month will have a happy ending. PETA will team up with Farm Sanctuary to pick the calf up from the Western Riverside County/City Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 20, and take her to Farm Sanctuary’s Animal Acres Southern California Shelter in Acton, where she will arrive at approximately 12:30 p.m. Soy “nog” and vegan cookies will be served.

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—was anxious to ensure that the calf, whom we’ve named Holly in honor of the holidays, did not end up at a dairy farm, where she would likely have been forcibly impregnated over and over again and sent to slaughter once her milk production dropped. Instead, she will be able to live out her life in peace at a sanctuary where she’ll have room to roam, fresh food to eat, appropriate veterinary care, and the companionship of other rescued animals. As people toast the holidays, PETA hopes they’ll think of Holly—and the fate that she could have faced—and choose to enjoy healthy, plant-based coconut or soy “nog” instead of dairy milk.

“From the day when she was found in the backseat of a car, this calf captured the hearts of many who heard of her plight and wanted her story to have a happy ending,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “PETA is over the moon that this young cow will enjoy a life of peace in a natural setting and not a life of suffering as a milk machine.”

“We really appreciate PETA reaching out to us regarding this calf,” said Riverside County Animal Services Director Robert Miller. “Offering to provide a sanctuary for this calf for its entire life is a generous offer. We’re more than pleased to know this calf will live a long and healthy life, thanks to the efforts from PETA.”