An in-calf cow that wandered over a European country border illegally has escaped a slaughter sentence following a campaign to save her.
Penka the cow was supposed to stay on her farm in Kopilovtsi, Bulgaria, but faced the chop when she wandered across the border into Serbia, which is not in the European Union.
Without the proper paperwork regarding her health status when she was returned to owner Ivan Haralampiev, Penka was destined for slaughter but late moves to save her seem to have worked. Bulgarian officials said strict import rules as regulated by the European Union meant the cow had to be slaughtered when it was returned to her owner, even though she was fit and healthy.
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I am very pleased to report that #penka & her unborn calf have been saved. The Bulgarian Food safety authority have given her a clean bill of health after the international campaign, which I was proud to be part of, ensured common sense and compassion won the day over hard rules. pic.twitter.com/mPPYs9zwQz
— John Flack MEP (@JohnFlackMEP) June 11, 2018
Although Serbian veterinarians wrote a statement saying Penka was in a perfect condition and fit to return home, Bulgarian authorities said she would have to be put down without delay.
Under EU rules, bovines must be accompanied by a veterinary health certificate upon entry, detailing requirements in relation to BSE, which Penka did not have.
However, thanks to the intervention by some politicians and other campaigners, Penka was placed in quarantine.
On June 11, the Bulgarian Food Safety Authority said it had given her a clean bill of health and removed the death sentence.
A petition that had been set up to save the cow went viral and was endorsed by former Beatles singer Paul McCartney.
I think it would be really nice to see this pregnant cow given a reprieve. She’s done nothing wrong. Join us if you agree. https://t.co/XwKKceWvig pic.twitter.com/z32ZaDG3zx
— Paul McCartney (@PaulMcCartney) June 8, 2018
The statement from the Bulgarian health authorities confirmed that Penka had stayed in Serbia for 15 days but had tested negative for a number of diseases.
