Stay of execution for battling cow

A COW that rebelled against being taken to the abattoir has gained 26,000 signatures in support.

Now ‘Marguerite’, who was being taken to the abattoir in Saint-Romain-de-Popey, Rhône, a week ago (June 2) has had a stay of execution – and thousands of animal-lovers are asking her owner to spare her life.

The young cow escaped at the last minute by knocking down a barrier and smashing a metal grille before charging into the courtyard of a carpentry firm.

It took nine gendarmes and injections of five doses of tranquilliser to get her under control – which meant she was considered inedible for a month until the chemicals have completely left her system.

“She was a bit frightened, stressed out, she was scraping at the floor,” an employee of the carpentry firm told FranceTV Info.

A Belgian animal rights activist, Jasmine Cerfontaine, then got involved – launching an online petition called ‘The little cow who didn’t want to die’.

However time is running out – as there are fewer than three weeks before Marguerite is deemed edible again. Meanwhile her owner is asking €10,000 to give her up.

Animal charity Association Stéphane Lamart is negotiating – they say they refuse to pay this full amount but a realistic price is around €3,500 for her value for meat.

Marguerite's owner André Bergéon originally set the price at €1 per signature that had been collected at the time, saying “it’s the price of a competition-winner, but since she’s become little star...”.

Fondation Brigitte Bardot has stated that the star "is very keen to help this cow".

Donations can be made at this link, and you should indicate the word végane when donating.

The petition is here.

Photo: Screenshot from FranceTV Info