We are pleading with President Obama to show compassion and issue a full emergency pre-Thanksgiving pardon for Bill and Lou, the oxen pair who have become beloved by the world, but are nevertheless scheduled for slaughter by their owners, Green Mountain College in Vermont. Although they were originally to be slaughtered at the end of October, Bill and Lou are still alive and they need your help. These animals have devoted many years of service to the college and deserve the dignity of retirement at one of the animal sanctuaries that has offered to provide for them for the remainder of their lives, without cost to the college.
Despite the global outpouring of support for the two oxen who have devoted their lives to the service of Green Mountain College in Vermont, the college has persisted in its decision to slaughter the animals rather than permit them the dignity of retirement. The school, a sustainable agriculture college, has tried to justify its decision with references to 'sustainability' and participation in the 'local food community.' But people around the world, as evidenced by thousands of signatures in protest, have perceived this decision as unwarranted disregard for the dignity of sentient animals.
Traditional farming practices have permitted the dignity of retirement to working farm animals who have provided a lifetime of service, and this should be the outcome for Bill and Lou. They should be permitted to retire at one of the animal sanctuaries that have offered to take them and provide for their lifetime care, at no cost to the college. Urge President Obama to issue an emergency pre-Thanksgiving pardon to spare the lives of these wonderful animals.
