Runaway Cow Spared After Escaping From NYC Slaughterhouse

— -- A New Jersey animal sanctuary has saved a cow that escaped from a New York City slaughterhouse yesterday.

The Jamaica-Archer Live Poultry and Meat Market gave the cow to the animal sanctuary Friday morning, Tahmena Shafqat, who works at the market, told ABC News.

Mike Stura, who runs the Skylands Animal Sanctuary and Rescue, said he drove to Queens after learning about the cow's plight on Facebook.

"I went and immediately hooked up my trailer to see if I could get him," Stura told ABC News.

The cow had already been claimed by a family who wanted the meat. Stura explained to the slaughterhouse's manager that "I’d like to give the animal a good life," he said.

Stura named the cow Freddie in honor of Freddie Mercury, the lead singer of Queen, and the city in which the cow briefly roamed the streets.

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Freddie is visiting a veterinarian today and will be introduced to the 18 other cows at the animal sanctuary in about two weeks, Stura said.

The runaway heifer garnered national attention yesterday after hoofing it through the streets of Queens and eventually being cornered into a parking garage by police after 30 minutes on the run.

“This cow's daring bid for freedom can and should be rewarded with retirement at a sanctuary where the animal will never be hacked apart for brisket or burgers,” said Colleen O’Brien, a spokesperson for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Police said the cow did not damage property or cause any injuries.