Vigil for Calf Ripped Away by Police

We are mobilizing activists from across the nation for a memorial and peaceful all day vigil for Angel, the dying calf ripped away from 3 women's arms by police, after she had been rescued from a factory farm's graveyard. Each and every person will make a difference, so make it out if you can!

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Angel was taken from her mother the day she was born, then forced to live her entire life in a tiny wooden crate at a massive Costco farm in Stanislaus County, California. When she became sick, the farm decided to dump her into a graveyard instead of giving her care. That is where she was found by three women, who immediately began weeping when they realized that a calf in the dead pile area was still alive and twitching. The farm had left the little baby there, slowly suffering in the agonizing California heat and sun, to slowly starve to death.

The women, who were broadcasting on Facebook Live, immediately asked viewers to call the police to report animal cruelty. Yet despite hundreds of calls to the Stanislaus County police force, the police refused to do any investigation of animal cruelty. Instead, they assaulted and arrested the three women, ripping the dying calf from their arms and throwing her onto the side of the road, and charged the women with "grand theft" for removing a calf. They mocked and laughed at the women, who were weeping and begging the officers to help the baby, and sent the baby cow back to the farm.

They shook the farm owner's hand, deferentially and respectfully, and threatened activists with arrest if any of them set foot back on the property.

This was not just an ethical but a legal violation by the farm and the police. California's animal cruelty laws forbid the tortuous confinement of cows, the dumping of baby animals in graveyards, and the detention or arrest of citizens engaged in lawful activity. Under 597e of the penal code, California citizens have the right to provide food and water to starving animals. Angel, parched and collapsed in the graveyard, had no food or water available to her and was desperate for care. But instead of care and salvation, Angel was sent back to a gruesome death by the cruel police officers, who ignored the law and violated the rights of the three women attempting to give Angel care.

Now we are calling for hundreds of activists from across the nation to gather in Angel's remembrance this holiday season. This all day vigil will include songs, music, and food, as we put pressure on the government and industry to stop the illegal confinement of baby cows, reunite the babies with their mothers, and drop the charges against compassionate activists for attempting to care for animals who have literally been thrown away like pieces of garbage.

Each and every person will make a big difference in this action, as we hope to find ways for everyone to uniquely participate. And we invite animal lovers of all backgrounds to come -- whether this is the first you've heard of factory farms or you are an experienced hardcore vegan.
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Direct Action Everywhere (DxE) is a grassroots network of animal rights activists. Through open rescue, demonstration, and disruption, we are creating a world where every animal is safe, happy and free.
DxE cultivates a welcoming and supportive community. We ask that all those who attend our events (online and offline) respect our Code of Conduct which can be reviewed at dxe.io/conduct
To learn about our vision, goals, strategy and more check out the San Francisco Bay Area chapter Activist Handbook here: https://dxe.io/sfbayhandbook
If you have any questions or concerns, please e-mail sfbay [at] directactioneverywhere.com.