His ear tag says CARL.

Carl is a 1,400 lb. 2-1/2 year old Charolais steer at Kinder Farm Park in Millersville, Maryland. If you have ever taken your kids to see the animals there, you have probably met him. He is the big cream-colored one who always walks over to the fence and licks your hand.

This Saturday, September 19, Carl goes to auction at the Anne Arundel County Fair. He is lot #92. Unless he is purchased by an individual or by a private farm, sanctuary, petting zoo or similar, Carl goes to slaughter.

Here is the part most people don't know: The Anne Arundel livestock auction lets a winning buyer take an animal home alive. This is not a petition or a protest. It is a purchase. Carl can be saved by exactly one thing, and that is somebody outbidding the people who came to buy beef!

At this time we have received several generous donations totaling $2,000. While we are so very appreciative, this is just the start of funds needed to assure Carl is purchased by those who want to provide him with kindness and love, and to all who meet and love him for years to come. Our goal is $10,000 (estimated to secure his purchase).

Where the money goes:

-The bid. Animals sell by the pound. A steer Carl's size runs roughly $3,300 to $10,000 depending on how the bidding goes.

-Transport. A stock trailer to move him after the sale.

-His care. Feed, hay, and veterinary costs at the farm or sanctuary that takes him in.

Anything raised above the purchase price goes to ongoing care. Cattle live fifteen to twenty years.

If we do not win him on Saturday, we will refund every donation, or with your permission send it to the sanctuary that agreed to help him.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE.

The auction starts at 6 PM Saturday. If you can give, thank you in advance for your much needed donation. If you cannot give, please share this. A share reaches people a donation never will.