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Margarita was taken away from her mother at just a few days old and was destined for the slaughterhouse. But instead, she was given a new lease of life after being presented as a gift to a family in Tortosa, in Spain’s Catalonia region, who lovingly reared her by hand. However, now aged four the cow, who is a from a breed of bovine used in bullfighting, could be up for the chop for a second time thanks to bizarre EU rules according to The Local.

EL HOGAR Margarita the cow won the hearts of her neighbours in Spain

Growing up in a field at the edge of town for four years, Margarita quickly became a sensation in the town. Passing neighbours frequently stopped to feed her treats and given her a quick stroke, or even smother her in hugs and kisses. And she also proved to be a huge success with the town’s children - who call her "Sweet Margarita" thanks to her gentle nature.

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She’s an orphaned baby cow who has never harmed anyone or anything, and she has a death sentence because the authorities apply the law as if she belonged to a livestock farm Animal rights group El Hogar ProVegan

But now her life is under threat thanks to EU rules that require all livestock to be traced through the food chain. Last week, it emerged her owners had not registered Margarita with the agricultural authorities. And even though she is not intended to become meat, Catalan regional agriculture authorities claim they have no choice but to sacrifice the animal.

EL HOGAR Margarita is a from a breed of bovine used in bullfighting