Why Do These Cows and Bulls Have Holes Carved Into Their Sides?

Cows and bulls aren’t cars, so why do these tormented animals look like you could pump gas into their sides?

It sounds like the premise of a gory horror flick, but these animals—called cannulated or fistulated cows and bulls—are forced to endure a surgery that creates a permanent opening into the rumen (the largest stomach compartment). Experimenters cut a path through their bodies to the fourth stomachs, sew the stomach open, connecting it to the skin, and force an open plastic ring into the flesh, preventing it from healing and creating a permanent porthole. The animals are then subjected to a variety of experiments, often to serve agricultural interests looking to maximize production and profit from animals who are exploited for their milk and killed for their flesh.

Cannulated cows and bulls are also often put on display and used for entertainment at agricultural events and school field trips, where attendees—even young children—are encouraged to reach inside the animal’s stomach. This normalizes cruelty and teaches young people that animals’ suffering is of no consequence—humans can objectify and use them however we please.

The federal Animal Welfare Act—the only law that offers minimal protections to animals used in experiments—does not extend to those in agricultural settings, meaning that these cows and bulls have no legal protection from cruelty. Because they mask pain as a survival instinct, they often suffer in silence.

Cows and bulls are not test subjects, milk machines, burgers, or sideshow attractions. They are highly intelligent and deeply emotional animals who use tools, solve problems, form strong relationships, and want to live free from suffering.

Watching herds of cows is often similar to watching an episode of Real Housewives. Different personalities clash, disagreements erupt, and grudges are formed. Cows commonly choose best friends and shed tears when they’re separated from those they love. Bulls also have distinct personalities, and in a comfortable environment, some are more like friendly dogs than wary animals seeking to defend themselves. None of them should be mutilated for experiments or human entertainment.

You know that cows and bulls don’t deserve to have holes cut into their bodies. Help them by choosing animal-free meals and clothing, cruelty-free products, and humane entertainment. Speak up when animals are suffering—and help others see that every individual deserves respect and consideration.