So-called livestock often get into trouble: falls into the manure hole, broken legs, getting stuck as a result of milk fever or a heavy birth, animals that have become stunted and even a fall into the swimming pool are calls for help from the large animal rescue service.

The rescue of the large and heavy animals requires special equipment and great effort. In addition to professional and often expensive equipment, it requires dedicated and longtime trained experts who with great sensitivity and experience rescue large animals from life-threatening situations. The volunteer specialists of the GTRD Animal Rescue Service often have to travel long distances to rescue the frightened animals from sometimes seemingly hopeless situations under the most adverse conditions.

Rescue operations of the large animal rescue service are often complex and usually associated with high costs. "While most horse emergencies can be covered by insurance or membership, the costs incurred in rescuing so-called livestock often cause financial problems for animal owners", explains Ruedi Keller, head of the GTRD (Large Animal Rescue Service). In the past, this has often led to animal owners themselves attempting to help - sadly, such attempts often ended in great suffering for the animals concerned or even in their death.

Since 2016, the Susy Utzinger Animal Welfare Foundation has therefore been paying for the rescue of farm animals that farmers cannot afford. " We clearly believe that so-called livestock also deserve species-appropriate rescue and are pleased about the success of this cooperation", says Susy Utzinger. "The number of calls for help to the large animal rescue service shows how important the services of these professionals are."