When rescuers arrived on the scene at a residence in Hunterdon County, NJ, they certainly weren't prepared for the disturbing sight they found.
Three hundred animals — mostly consisting of rabbits, with some guinea pigs — were discovered living in their own filth, apparently being bred for sale and kept in cramped and inhumane cages.
Luckily, the NJSPCA stepped in to save the day and rescue the animals from the terrible conditions. But that wasn't the only surprise workers received that day. Rescuers never expected to find a scared and sick cow living in squalor in the basement of the home.
They quickly called in Mike Stura, founder of the Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, to help save the poor, suffering cow.
LittleThings spoke with Stura about the cow, who was named Violet, about her rescue and the second chance at life she's been given thanks to the NJSPCA and Skylands.
Scroll through below to see how these incredible workers changed the life of this beautiful creature forever.
[H/T: The Dodo]
The property in Hunterdon County where about 300 animals were found living in squalor was not actually where the breeders resided, according to the Dodo.
However, in the basement of the house attached to the property, one extra resident was discovered: a poor, neglected cow.
The female was found in a basement, living in filth from the elevated rabbit cages which surrounded her.
Fortunately, the incredible folks at the NJSPCA and Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue stepped in to save the day.
Now, the 10-week-old cow is being given a second chance at life.
Mike Stura, founder of Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, brought the calf back to the sanctuary to be loved and cared for.
Stura told LittleThings that the cow — who they affectionately call Violet — was suffering from pneumonia when she was discovered.
Now, under the watchful eye of her caretakers, Violet's pneumonia has almost entirely cleared up and she is doing much better.
Stura reports that Violet has been going outside during the daytime and has been becoming more and more friendly towards people.
She has even been allowing them to pet her!
Though Violet still has a difficult road ahead, she can rest easy knowing that she is in good hands at Skylands.
Stura says that she will potentially be able to be introduced to other animals in about 14 days, after receiving the vet's OK.
Thanks to the work of Stura and the other incredible rescue workers, Violet — and the other rescued creatures — are likely to get the happy ending they deserve.
For ways to help, visit the Skylands or NJSPCA websites.
Watch the video below to see some of Violet's progress, and let us know what you think in the comments.
Please SHARE this beautiful rescue with friends and family!
