Fighting Cows to Face New Doping Tests

AP/Yahoo ^ | 3/24/05

[martin_fierro]

Fighting Cows to Face New Doping Tests

SION, Switzerland - Cows that lock horns in an annual test of strength in the Swiss Alps must face renewed doping tests, authorities have decided.

"There are controls for racehorses and dogs, and there's no reason to do it differently for cows," Joseph Jaeger, chief veterinarian in the Valais state, said Thursday.

Valais' annual cow-fighting contest — known as "The Combat of the Queens" — pits powerfully built, black-hided animals from the Swiss Val d'Herens breed against each other.

The grand final and earlier heats draw about 50,000 spectators, and a victory can add tens of thousands of dollars to a cow's value.

Now officials will restart the controls, halted in 2002 after six years of nothing but negative tests, Jaeger said.

Cow fighting, which began in Valais in 1922, is based on the natural struggle between cows for dominance of the herd as they leave their winter stables and head to the Alpine pastures in the spring.

During the largely bloodless fights, each cow tries to force the other to submit, using its head and horns. The contests often end without any physical contact between either cow, when one of the animals recognizes the superiority of the other.

[martin_fierro]

I saw a "Combat of the Queens" once in 'Frisco.

Can't say it was anything I'd've paid money to see.

[martin_fierro]

Ich bin ein brawliner.

No amateurs, please. Send FReepmail if you want on/off ISHP list
The List of Ping Lists

[dfwgator]

Cows that lock horns in an annual test of strength

Followed by the "Airing of Grievances."

[Lazamataz]

"The Combat of the Queens"

[beyond the sea]

Cows that lock horns

What if they miss? Wholey Cow!

[mhking]

"Ladies and gentlemen....LLLLLLLLEEEEETTTT'SSS GET READY TO RUMBBBBLLLLLEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!"

Just damn.

If you want on the list, FReepmail me. This IS a high-volume PING list...

[BJClinton]

I bet PETA has ome kinda beef with this.

[najida]

Reminds me a bit of camel wrestling. :)

[OSHA]

$10 on blondie.

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

MY EYES!!! MY EYES!!!!!!!!

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

Ich bin ein brawliner.

Sie sind ein future Hamburger!

[The Spirit Of Allegiance]

I bet PETA has some kinda beef with this.

Actually, PETA has a back-office deal with NOW not to criticize this, since so many NOW members and supporters LOOK like cattle.

[Lazamataz]

I think the brunette's got stronger-looking biceps.

I'll take your bet and up the ante 10$.

[Dashing Dasher]

I love the hairy arms on the blonde.

[Lazamataz]

Who doesn't?

[Dashing Dasher]

You are a wise person....

[4mycountry]

Where on earth do you find these graphics? LOLOL

[mhking]

Where on earth do you find these graphics?

I could tell you, but then I'd have to kill you! [g]

[4mycountry]

*snicker* The first rule about the graphics club is, you don't talk about the graphics club.

[MilspecRob]

The grand final and earlier heats draw about 50,000 spectators, and a victory can add tens of thousands of dollars to a cow's value.

50,000 people don't have TV or computers, or a book to read, or SOMETHING to do with their lives other than watching Cow,s fight?????