The bizarre escape – and fatal police shooting – of a pregnant cow at the State Fair this summer has prompted an examination of the live birthing exhibits that have been a crowd favorite for more than 37 years.
While the fair won’t resume until next year, its Animal Care and Livestock Committee already has started work with UC Davis, veterinarians, animal welfare groups and officials from other state fairs to see what changes might be made to the area where dairy cows, goats, sheep and pigs are put on display while giving birth.
Officials say they’re searching for a middle ground, one that will preserve the fair’s long-standing tradition while minimizing stress to the pregnant animals.
It won’t be easy.
Fair organizers argue that the program pulls spectators back to the state’s agricultural roots by giving them a ringside seat to the miracle of birth.
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