Animals’ Angels investigators found fewer horses at auction than usual and none that were emaciated or injured. Known “kill buyers” Bruce Rotz & Frank Carper from Camelot Auction were buying horses. However, among the dairy cows being sold for slaughter was a Holstein with a severe injury to the hind foot and leg. The cow was unable to bear weight on the leg and was in obvious pain. The condition of this cow should have prevented employees from accepting her.
Conditions for the cow were going to get a lot worse. In the experience of Animals’ Angels investigators, once auctioned a cow in her condition would very likely be trampled to death during transport. Investigators contacted the humane officer and the auction manager, recommending that the suffering animal be euthanized, which was done immediately.