Tuesday, 15 October 2019

 Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (13:41): I was delighted to go to Edgar’s Mission last week on a site visit as part of the inquiry into animal activism. I was joined by several of my colleagues in this chamber. A particularly touching part of the tour was hearing the story of Clarabelle, a cow with something to hide. Before arriving at Edgar’s Mission, Clarabelle was a dairy cow. Despite giving birth every year, she never got to stay with her calf. Of course, like all mammals, cows do not just lactate, meaning their babies are often killed so humans can have their milk. Soon after arriving at Edgar’s Mission, Clarabelle gave birth in a hidden spot, intentionally keeping her baby’s existence a secret from the sanctuary staff so they would not take her calf away. Little did she know this would never happen to her again. Clarabelle and Valentine now live happily ever after at the sanctuary. Edgar’s Mission said it so perfectly:

While Clarabelle hid her baby for the most pure, honest and loving of reasons, the dairy industry has long hidden the fate of baby calves for reasons of profit. Like many we grew up with the romantic notion that dairy products were wholesome and good, and indeed they are. If, of course, you are a baby cow.

I want to thank Pam Ahern for hosting us, along with the very lovable vet nurse Ruby and all of the staff for making us feel welcome.