The Perth Hills-based Art Sanctuary Foundation (ASF) hopes to eventually develop its cow rehoming initiative into an animal-assisted therapy program, says director Sushant Krishnan.
Mr Krishnan said cows were grounded animals by nature, making them ideal for gentle therapeutic work.
“One of the ambitions that we had is, once the cows are fully at ease, we’d love to introduce animal-assisted therapy where they can be vehicles to help heal people,” he said.
“Children and those who have experienced family and domestic violence or any sort of trauma can come and spend time with the cows and that would be a service that we could offer at the right time.
“Because cows by nature are very grounded animals so by sitting in their company, you naturally feel a sense of calm.”
Mr Krishnan said the initiative started in 2023 when ASF relocated two cows from a seller in WA’s south.
He said the Sanctuary was able to rehome four more last September with support from the community.
“At that point, we also started opening our doors to volunteers,” Mr Krishnan said.
He said volunteers played a key role in helping the animals settle into their new environment.
“The support work was really about promoting better wellbeing for the cows so spending time with them, sing with them, reading (and) talking,” he said.
“Some volunteers, they’ve got a musical talent and they sing and play instruments.
“It’s really about rekindling that relationship with humans and it gives our volunteers a great sense of joy and purpose.”
Mr Krishnan said the cow rehoming program was part of ASF’s broader mission of conservation. “(The cows) have been bred for the beef industry,” he said.
“We felt it would be nice to rehome these cows so they have a sense of home and in a nurturing environment that allows them to rebuild trust with humans.
Mr Krishnan said the cows were also part of different cultural events throughout the year, like the recent Armadale Arts Trail.
“We brought the cows in to participate in the actual performances as well as be an audience member,” he said.
“So they were brought in near the performances and they could actually watch and enjoy the show as well.”
Mr Krishnan said he hopes to continue expanding the program as the number of volunteers grows.
