Julien St-Jean

Shawville Sept. 4, 2021

During Saturday’s beef division cattle show, a cow broke away from its handler and made its way through the midway, making it as far as the fence near the front entrance of the Fair.

“We figure the cow got stung and that’s why it took off,” said Pontiac Agricultural Society President Vaughan Bastien. “We’re just lucky that the beef people were able to quickly corral the animal and catch it.”

Over a dozen Fair-goers from the beef show followed the cow as it ran along the fence line, two of which brought along their own yearlings to help calm the escaped cow. Afterwards, it was loaded in a trailer to help remove it from the midway area.

“It wasn’t a crazy animal, she just got worked up,” said Abigail Argyle-Findlay, who left the showing area with her yearling to help calm the animal. She explained that bringing calm yearlings nearby helped to calm the escaped cow because they’re soothed by the presence of other cattle.

She added, the occasional escaped cow is something that happens to everyone, which is why so many were able to jump into action once the need arises.

“That’s the joy of showing cattle, we all work together,” said Argyle-Findlay. “We may be competitors in the ring, but everyone has camaraderie. Everyone has each other’s best interests in mind.”

Bastien confirmed that no people, animals or property were injured or damaged by the cow.