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cookie's avatar

I had to stop briefly, because I couldn't cope with what might have happened to Pearlie, I a well up easily. Especially with animals involved. The ostrich murders recently in Canada has me in tears for days.

Frances Leader's avatar

Yep. Me too! Do you remember when British farmers were forced to surrender entire herds during the 2001 foot-and-mouth disease outbreak?

The ‘disease’, which first appeared in Essex during February 2001, caused the government to implement a "contiguous cull" policy, where all animals within three kilometres of an infected farm were slaughtered, even if they were healthy.

I lived in Essex at that time and was utterly traumatised because the crisis led to funeral pyres of black smoke burning six million pigs, cattle, and sheep across more than 10,000 farms. This type of knee-jerk policy was one of the reasons I wanted to leave the UK and finally did so at the turn of 2004.

cookie's avatar

I didn't live in the UK at that time but I remember returning to visit family and friends. Although I'd heard a little about it (not being one for TV or news). I thought something was strange about the country side journey, we stopped at a pub for Sunday dinner, carvery. The beef joint had hardly been touched, again thought that strange as it's usually the first to go. While eating the beef dinner, I asked my friend if there was something wrong with me, as everyone in the pub was staring at me. Not until later once we were at home, then I realised what had happened. It was utterly shocking to me. The thing that was weird about British landscapes, was no animals. Yes it was a get ready for operation COVID. I think one organic farmer won his case. Thanks for the stories, although sad but you take us into your world.

ann watson's avatar

chapter 13 an ominous one

Frances Leader's avatar

Life is seldom a flat easy journey in my experience.

ann watson's avatar

so true. And sometimes its even caused and brought on by ourselves...not meaning anything in this chapter - just thinking of my own story.

The Word Herder's avatar

I second the dallas comment. Poor Pearlie!!

The Word Herder's avatar

PS... Once I get my pooge, and s/he is settled with me and so forth, I'm going to get her/him a kitteh. ;)

dallas's avatar

love these Frances