Butcher saves calf Hugo: From death to guard animal in the pasture!

Butcher saves calf Hugo: From death to guard animal in the pasture!

A remarkable story about compassion and love for animals is coming to light in the Peine district: Lothar Fornfett, a former butcher, saved the life of a calf named Hugo. Five years ago, Hugo was born with shortened tendons, which left him unable to stand. The owner was prepared to kill Hugo because, in his eyes, the cost of an operation, which would have been around 350 euros, was not justified. He estimated the value of the calf at just 100 euros. But Fornfett refused to leave the calf to its fate, and so it happened that Hugo moved into Fornfett's farm in Edemissen as a gift. As Sat1 Regional reports, a veterinarian then operated on the tendons correctly.

Today Hugo is a magnificent animal: over two meters tall and weighing more than a ton, he now lives in a pasture with six young cattle. Fornfett, who never wanted to work as a butcher and has an aversion to killing animals, describes Hugo as the "guard dog" for his herd, as he dislikes dogs and wolves. His right to life is secured with Fornfett and his family, and Fornfett categorically rules out any future slaughter.

A life with friends

Hugo has developed a special bond with Fornfett's family in recent years. His granddaughter Jana feeds him, and his daughter Annika gave him his name. According to reports from NDR, after his successful treatment, which took two weeks, Hugo learned to walk and is now surprising everyone with his cheerful nature and his love of apples and cuddles. In summer he enjoys life on the pasture, where he plays an important role as a guardian of the younger cows.

Hugo's story is not only a story about love for animals, but also takes a look at the challenges and real conditions in livestock farming. However, in Germany, where animal protection regulations have become stricter, the realities are often very different. As Landwirtschaft.de summarizes, many European countries, including Germany, have gradually raised animal welfare standards in recent years, but much remains to be done. Animal protection organizations repeatedly criticize the inadequate legal minimum standards that have been introduced in the EU and that fall short of the expectations of many animals.

Lothar Fornfett's actions and Hugo's journey set an example in this complex topic. They show that there is also room for humanity and hope in the area of ​​agriculture. While Hugo can continue to enjoy his life in peace, the desire for greater protection and respect for all farm animals remains alive in the hearts of many people and organizations.