Cork dairy farmer retiring her herd to sanctuary in England after saving them from slaughter

Jill Smith, a Co Cork dairy farmer, isn’t retiring, but her herd is — to a sanctuary in England.

The 70-year-old from near Carrigaline made the momentous decision earlier this year when she was laid up for a time following a farm accident. There was a need to scale back, but the prospect of breaking up the 70-strong herd, after years of milking, was a painful prospect. And so almost all of her cows will switch to the Hillside animal sanctuary in Norfolk.

It’s believed to be the first time an Irish farmer has done so, with 37 animals making the journey last week and another two consignments set to follow, in what local Church of Ireland Rector, Rev Elaine Murray, called an “inspirational” move.