Branding Cows

I recently learned of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s plan to buy millions of excess dairy cows from farmers, and hot-iron face-brand them (while alive) for identification purposes.

To me, this is outrageous! I understand that the process is so painful for the cows, and the required brand so large, that it takes several days for the cows to be able to eat again.

LINDA J. BYRNE

Los Angeles