These tiny, fluffy cows have a cult following, but behind the scenes a debate on the ethics of breeding them rages

Grazing on a farm just outside of Melbourne, these fluffy, inquisitive cows spend their days not just as handy lawn mowers, but also as therapy pets.

Fourteen-year-old Montanna Siwek has been visiting the Panton Hill property for three years.

It has been a peaceful experience for the teenager, who has been diagnosed with anxiety, ADHD and autism.

“As I’m patting a cow, it helps me forget about my problems and it’s not as hard to speak,” she says.

Sales of miniature highland cows have jumped by 30 per cent in a year.(ABC Melbourne: Sean Warren)

Leanne Winter is the owner of the farm and also works as a psychologist.

She describes the property as a therapy farm.

“The waitlist is fairly long. Once people start coming, they usually don’t want to leave,” she says.

Leanne Winter has miniature cows on her farm.(ABC Melbourne: Sean Warren)

“A lot of kids I’ll see, they’ll say, ‘My favourite animal is the cow’ [and] actually being able to get up close and personal is a pretty unique experience.”

Genetic conditions

But behind the scenes there is a debate about the ethics of breeding smaller-than-normal animals.

A miniature highland cow is classified by its size — which is anything less than the standard size of 1.06 metres.

Most “minis” carry a gene linked to a growth disorder known as chondrodysplasia, which can cause dwarfism.

According to Professor Imke Tammen, from the Sydney School of Veterinary Science, the gene can be lethal if both the sire and the dam (mother cow) carry it.

“If an animal has one variant, that animal is just a bit shorter, with disproportionate chondrodysplasia — like a dachshund,” she said.

“If an animal inherits two copies of a gene, then that results in a much more severe presentation and they’re often stillborn.”

‘Another phase of cuteness’

Veterinarian Rosemary Elliot is the president of Sentient, the Veterinary Institute of Animal Ethics.

She says breeding miniature animals prioritises looks over quality of life.

“You can get lots of other genetic problems and health issues that come with it,” Dr Elliot says.

“What comes to mind for me is, ‘Uh oh, here we go, another phase of cuteness’.” 

Dr Elliot says miniature cattle can be more prone to health issues such as enlarged joints and arthritis.

“People can be very shocked when they find out they got an animal, it’s small and cute, but they’re getting these vet bills, and some problems are not correctable,” she says.

Jeanette Rawlings says a new rule will help preserve the breed’s heritage.(ABC South East: Vanessa Milton)

From August 25, all owners registered with the Australian Highland Cattle Society will be forced have their cows’ DNA checked for the condition.

Those found to be carrying the gene linked to chondrodysplasia will be deregistered.

Former president Jeanette Rawlings says the rule is designed to preserve the heritage of the breed.

“It’s come about from a genetic defect and that’s not a good thing for the breed and not a good thing for the animal either,” she says.

“We don’t want genetic defects changing the breed in any way.”

Its rival, the Poll Highland Society, has no problems with recognising and registering miniature cattle.

President Julia Webster says more buyers are wanting to purchase miniature cows as pets.

She said there had been a 30 per cent increase in miniature highland cattle sales in the past 12 months. 

“There’s certainly a lot of enquiries, a lot of people are trying to find them,” she says.

“We’ve had a lot of problems with scams because people see the cute little fluffy calves and they just want to buy them.”

Responsible breeding

Leanne Stone breeds “minis” on her Whittlesea property, near Melbourne.

Leanne Stone breeds miniature highlands on her property at Whittlesea.(ABC Melbourne: Sean Warren)

She says carefully selecting the sire and dam can reduce the chance of producing a stillborn calf.

“If you’ve got something short, you put it with something with longer legs, and that’s just responsible breeding,” she said.

But for Montanna, who has been coming to the therapy farm since 2021, the merits of a miniature highland cow seem obvious.

“They help because they’re just beautiful animals because they’re soft and fluffy. Who wouldn’t want to pat cows?” she says.

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