Before animal shows and auctions, breeders naturally try to make their animals look as good as possible. There are even specialists who can be commissioned for this so-called cow fitting. These prepare the cows specially for the events (washing, coat care, hoof care, clipping, washing, and also postponing the milking time).

In principle, moderate cow-fitting is justifiable and can be carried out in a way that is compatible with animal welfare. It becomes problematic when the aesthetic aspect and the pursuit of profit are placed above the welfare of the animals. 

For example, there are things that are carried out as part of cow-fitting that are to be classified as illegal, as the animal suffers a great deal and damage is caused.

If the spray can pictured is actually car paint, the man is committing an offense under the Animal Welfare Act, which can be reported to the lower veterinary authority or – if not available – to the police.

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It is difficult for me to understand why I spray car paint on a wound of a living being instead of treating these wounds or at least using the approved “cow paint.” The fact that this behavior is carried out by the owner, who is supposed to ensure animal welfare, is very critical.

Is the owner acting this way because he is in financial difficulties that may be due to systemic structures? Or is the cause of his behavior that we see the cow only as a commercial object to the point of absurdity and unscrupulousness?

How do we as a society deal with living creatures which are useful to us humans? Could we attach more importance to the animal welfare and thus show them more respect?

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