AFTER days lying in the sun as residents did their best to provide the care she needed, Moo Moo’s story has come to a heartbreaking end.

The injured cow, who captured the hearts of residents on Walks Road in Spanish Town, was euthanised by the Veterinary Services Division on Wednesday after the professionals determined her injuries were too severe.

Reports are that the cow was injured in a hit-and-run incident on August 11. Residents said they made several reports and calls to animal-related facilities, but were unable to get assistance for the animal. Gabriel Hamilton and Nicholas Thomas became the beloved animal’s primary caregivers, staying with her until her final moments.

The animal’s owner has not come forward.

Dr Sophia Ramlal, director of veterinary services in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Mining, confirmed that the cow was euthanised using chemicals on Wednesday at approximately 10:15 am after examinations revealed that her injuries were significant and she could not be treated back to health.

“We could determine from the physical examination that both her right front leg and her right hind leg were broken. She was therefore unable to stand and unable to walk around. It is my information that this accident occurred approximately one week ago. However, the ministry became aware of this yesterday (Tuesday),” said Ramlal.

She added that a physical examination could not confirm the cow was pregnant, given its position on the ground.

Ramlal said the euthanasia was conducted by a team comprising members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA), and the National Solid Waste Management Authority (NSWMA). She said the actions were carried out in keeping with provisions under the Cruelty to Animals Act.

“Provided that the JCF is advised by either a justice of the peace or a registered veterinarian that the injuries that the animal has suffered, in this case a cow, are so severe that the animal should be put to sleep, then that process can occur,” she explained.

“We wanted it to be done humanely. We wanted to make sure that we dealt with it as professionally and expeditiously as we could, and her carcass was moved right after she was put down,” she told the Jamaica Observer.

Responding to comments on social media requesting that the cow be harvested for beef, Ramlal explained that because chemicals were used, Moo Moo’s remains are not fit for consumption.

“The intent is not for this cow to be salvaged for meat because, given the extent of the injury, [her] health status… is generally unknown. There could be a generic sepsis, and it could be that the meat is not what we consider healthy for eating, so this cow was disposed of and is not safe for consumption,” she said.

Nicholas Thomas said he was saddened by Moo Moo’s passing, but happy she is now pain-free.

“I can’t explain the feeling. I just have to focus on the bright side. Now I can get more sleep, and I just have to try not to cry when I go out there. Sometimes I was up with her all night, around 10 or 11 o’clock, giving her water and just making sure she was alright until morning. I’m gonna miss her,” said Thomas about his beloved Moo Moo.

He was among residents who thought the cow looked pregnant and he had hoped any calves she had could be saved.

“It hurt me, but the bright side is that she’s resting now,” Thomas told the Observer.

Though heartbroken that Moo Moo did not make it, Moo Moo’s other caregiver Hamilton agreed that the actions of the veterinary division was the most humane outcome as it relieved the cow from suffering.

“When I was reaching out for help initially, I knew that this would probably be one of the interventions, but that would be determined by a veterinarian’s assessment. To not see her suffering anymore, a piece of my heart is happy with it, but it’s a life lost, so it’s never a happy day. I know in general Jamaicans don’t look at it that way; they more look at her as livestock, something to eat, or raise. But with animals, when you’re going to eat them, you kill them before you eat them so they are not suffering,” she stressed.

“I don’t like to see animals suffering. I’m just hoping that this will bring awareness to Jamaican people that while they are roaming on the road, we must be the ones to look out for them. It’s not the other way around. I think humans don’t really know how to co-exist with animals and that’s an issue,” she added.

Stressing the need for better treatment of animals, Hamilton extended thanks to the vet services division, Thomas, and other residents who assisted in Moo Moo’s care before her sad end.