Swedens historical relationship with cows is interesting though. There is this long tradition of genuine care for cows and their well being
A exemple of this love of cows, are that they, opposed to many other farm animals, often have individual names in historical records.
That is, they wrote these lists of what farms owned, for taxes porpuses. And while some animals, would be like
5 chicken
1 cat
2 pigs
Cows would often be seperataly named in the records. With their individual names and all. Such it was too for dogs and horses (rarely for cats, but happened).
But anyway, it’s interesting that some animals are just “animals” while horses, dogs and cows, appear to also be seen as a bit. More. Than that. Useful farming animals yes, but also. A bit more of what we today would perhaps call “a pet bond”.
Did not stop them from eating the cows haha, but like. They loved their cows alot, in general.
Which also! Can still be seen in how very much of sweden farm animal welfare been focused on the welfare of cows and horses
Like pigs are treated fairly well in sweden, compared to many countries, too.(although could be better) But, the cows. The cow love knows no bounds
Like, think about the different level of public outrage over bad cow farming practices in sweden, and bad farming practices with chicken.
Both are complex animals, with complex needs. But cows. Cows create alot stronger emotions among a larger public in sweden
(i personally hope chicken welfare one day will to be seen as important as cows in sweden, but atm they are not)


vanwizard

