There are countless organizations dedicated to rescuing dogs, cats, and even horses, but what about cattle?
According to the director of the newly formed Cattle Rescue Inc., this type of organization is desperately needed in North Central Wisconsin.
Bill Blemke says law enforcement go on calls involving malnourished or mistreated cattle every week.
With the recession came more pressure on many farmers, who sometimes can't take care of their cattle. Up until now, there wasn't anywhere for the livestock to go.
Cattle Rescue is hoping to raise $500,000 between now and May 1st, so they can be the temporary home for these animals. Blemke says plans are in motion to build a barn and rescue facility at his property in Irma, Lincoln County.
"You talk 20, 30, 40, 50 head of cattle I mean who's gonna deal with that? We're gonna have the facility to deal with that," Blemke said.
Each cow that comes off the trailer will be checked out by a veterinarian and put on an individual nutrition plan.
The cows will be brought back to good health and then sold back into the market. Those that can't be sold will be processed, with the meat going to local food pantries.
Cattle Rescue is raising money through private donors. Anyone interested can send a check to Cattle Rescue Inc. at W3883 Nelson Avenue Irma, WI 54442.
An account has also been set up at Associated Bank.
Others interested in helping can email Bill at wicattlerescue@yahoo.com.
The group hopes to be operational by July. In the beginning they'll only accept animals from North Central Wisconsin.
