AN animal sanctuary in Norfolk has offered to take in the full 51-cow herd from a Jersey farm that is set to close.
Blanc Pignon Dairy Farm, at La Haule, confirmed this week that they would be ceasing the production of dairy and meat products, citing a lack of funding to update their facilities.
The founder of Hillside Animal Sanctuary in Norfolk, Wendy Valentine, has now offered to take on its herd of 51 cows.
She said: “Hillside Animal Sanctuary would gladly offer a home to these beautiful Jersey cows where they will be able to live out their natural lives. Please make the compassionate choice.”
A retirement in Norfolk would be an alternative to keeping the herd in the dairy industry and eventually sending them for slaughter, the sanctuary said. Cows at the sanctuary
They already host 750 cows as an alternative to the dairy industry. The sanctuary said they had already completed a similar transition, having taken over a 73-strong herd in 2017.
The farm had to make six redundancies and is looking for new homes for its herd of 51 milk cows, plus youngstock.
Actor Peter Egan, who campaigns for animal rights, is supporting Hillside’s bid to take on the cows.
He said it would be “an immense relief” for them to “leave behind the hardships and inherent cruelty of dairy farming”.
They have been supported by the Animal Justice Project, who campaign for animal rights in the UK.
Animal Justice Project campaigns director Ayrton Cooper said the cows should be able to leave the dairy industry just like farmers can.
“After years of being milked, they deserve a chance to live life on their own terms,” he said.
“So together, let’s save the Jersey 51.”
Blanc Pignon Farm declined to comment.
