One act of compassion saved their lives. Now, this bonded trio is ready for their forever home.
In Australia alone, during 2023-24, 7.7 million innocent lives were sent to slaughterhouses. They lost their lives for humans to consume ‘beef’. These numbers are unfathomable and heartbreaking.
Cattle raised for beef will live a short life before being sent to the slaughterhouse at approximately 18-24 months old– just a small fraction of their natural lifespan of 15-20 years. A slaughterhouse is a place where no animal deserves to go, but the stress these animals endure starts well before they arrive at the processing facility. From the moment they are mustered, yarded and loaded on the transporter they are scared and stressed.
Often deprived of water and food, they will face a long journey travelling hundreds or even thousands of kilometres before arriving at their final fate- the slaughterhouse- a place that so clearly smells of death and is riddled with fear.
Coco, Custard and Labrador, born a beef breed faced this unimaginable fate. They were among the lucky few who narrowly escaped.
We thank our donors and supporters for making this rescue possible, without your generosity and compassion, we wouldn’t have been able to secure their rescue. Our thoughts are with the millions of other animals whose lives aren’t spared.
Keep reading to learn more about Coco, Custard & Labrador.
Some rescue stories begin with a simple spark of compassion– Coco, Custard, and Labrador’s story is no different. For over a year, a kind-hearted member of the public, along with her toddlers, would walk by the property where these three steers lived. Over time, a bond grew as they stopped to say hello, offering pats and hand-fed treats. It was the only human kindness Coco, Custard, and Labrador knew. Slowly, the steers began to trust this family, coming to the fence each day for their visits.
But their peaceful routine came to an abrupt end when the property was sold, and the rest of the herd was sent to slaughter. Coco, Custard, and Labrador were destined to face the same fate. Desperate to save them, this compassionate person stalled, begged, and pleaded with the developer, asking for just a little more time to find a way to save their lives. She couldn’t bear the thought of these three gentle souls meeting such a tragic end.
Finally, after many back-and-forth conversations, and out of sheer love and determination, this person used her own money to purchase Coco, Custard, and Labrador, ensuring they would not be sent to slaughter.
She reached out to us for help to get them to safety, knowing they deserved a second chance at life. Though it was difficult for her family to say goodbye, they were relieved that the steers would be safe in foster care and go on to live a loved and full life- as they deserved.
When they first arrived at our foster home, they were understandably wary. But now, after months of care, they are happily grazing, soaking up the sunshine, and finding comfort in the company of other animals.
Coco, Custard, and Labrador make up a gentle trio, shaped by a life with little human interaction. Though they aren’t overly friendly, they’re approachable and will happily accept hand-fed treats and a gentle pat or two.
Custard, with his dusty blonde coat, is the friendliest of the group, while Coco, the brown steer, and Labrador, the golden one, are a bit more reserved, preferring to keep to themselves but still coming forward when they feel comfortable.
They’ve lived peacefully alongside horses and after being part of a larger herd of cows, they would be content in joining a new herd or staying together as a trio.
Coco, Custard, and Labrador are looking for a home with strong, secure fencing, as these boys are big and need safe boundaries. They need an adopter who understands their gentle, reserved nature and is patient, kind, and willing to give them time to adjust to their new surroundings.
While they may never be the cuddliest of companions, they could truly thrive in the right home, with someone willing to invest time to gain their trust, allowing them to enjoy a peaceful life with the space and freedom they deserve. They would also do well in a home where someone appreciates companions that prefer their own space—beautiful companions in the paddock that can be approached and hand-fed. At the same time, they’ll serve as loved lawnmowers, quietly tending to your lawn while adding a peaceful presence to your paddocks.
Could your home be the forever place where Coco, Custard, and Labrador find peace and safety? Click ‘Apply Now’ to adopt today and give Coco, Custard & Labrador the forever home they’ve been waiting for. Contact us to learn more about how you can welcome these gentle giants into your life.
