The Animals’ Angels investigators returned to the Escalon auction to check if any improvements with regard to the handling of non-ambulatory dairy cows had been made. To our disappointment, we learned that nothing had changed since our last visit. The workers were still using the electric prods on newborn calves.
Chickens, roosters and rabbits were sold in paper boxes without air holes. A downer cow was left suffering close to the manure pile for more then seven hours without ever being provided water, shade or veterinary care. Animals’ Angels will urge the authorities of San Joaquin County to hold the market responsible for this second violation of Downer Protection Legislation observed by our investigators in the last nine month.