Despite our intense efforts to save them, the Jersey 51 have been condemned to death. We did everything we could to convince the farmer to choose compassion. We had a forever home lined up for the cows at Hillside Animal Sanctuary, where they would have been able to stay together and live out their natural lives in peace, free from exploitation and harm. But it wasn’t enough. The farmer chose profit over mercy, as they relocated the cows to other nearby local farms. 

Although we did not win this fight, we have raised an enormous amount of awareness in the media and on TV about the realities of the dairy industry and received kind donations to fuel our work to dismantle it. 

News None of us Wanted to Hear

Hillside Sanctuary previously rescued 73 cows from a former farmer who described that outcome as a dream. This could have been another dream realised, at least, for the cows. Instead, it has become a devastating loss. The cows have now been relocated to other farms, where the cycle of forced impregnation, separation from their calves, relentless milk production, and ultimately slaughter will continue. What makes this outcome even more heartbreaking is the justification provided.

A lawyer representing the farm informed us:

“As publicly confirmed, the dairy animals have been rehomed within existing Jersey dairy herds. That process was carried out with the support of the local dairy farming community and in coordination with the relevant dairy authorities. The welfare of the animals was the first priority throughout.”

But so-called ‘welfare’ within the dairy industry does not mean freedom. It does not mean sanctuary. It does not mean a life free from exploitation. If given the choice, most of us would rather live peacefully in safety. All cows in the industry will be sent to slaughter when they are no longer deemed profitable. These cows could have been saved. They could have lived as individuals, each with a personality and a life as valuable as our own, rather than commodities to be profited from until their bodies fail. 

We will Not Forget the Jersey 51!

This case is not isolated. It reflects a wider reality within the dairy industry, where language of care and welfare often masks a system built on exploitation. Yet, despite this heartbreaking outcome, something powerful has emerged. Thousands of people stood up. Voices were raised. Conversations began. Awareness has spread further than ever before. Jersey is a small island, and this could have been one of the first times that people living there heard about an alternative existence for our fellow animals – important seeds have been planted.

While we were not able to Save the Jersey 51, their story has opened eyes. And that matters. The future is shifting. The future is plant-based. With your support, we will continue to fight for transparency, accountability, and justice for animals.

Thank you for standing with us.

As always,

For the Animals! 

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