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PAINESVILLE, Ohio (WJW) — An Ohio college student who recently adopted a goat that was severely injured and needed a leg amputated made good use of campus resources to help give the goat her mobility back.
Lake Erie College junior Abby Butcher, who also runs an animal sanctuary in Madison, adopted Zelda a few months ago. The goat was “severely ill” and had just a 15% chance of survival, according to a news release from the college.
The goat had suffered several traumatic injuries — a crushed kneecap, dislocated shoulder, exposed bone and severe tendon damage — that required amputation of one of her legs.
Butcher then set out to help give Zelda “more than a chance at survival, but mobility and a high quality of life,” according to the release.
Emily Hoopes-Boyd, the college’s Tower Honors Program director, recommended Butcher take advantage of the college’s Makerspace, operated by Greg Rothwell, using its 3D printing device to make a prosthetic leg.
The Makerspace, located in Garfield Center, offers design tools and fabrication technology — such as 3D printing — to students and the general public, according to the release.
The team is now planning and designing the prosthetic and expects to fit Zelda with it later this fall, according to the release.
“I had no experience with 3D printing before this,” Butcher is quoted in the release. “Thanks to the incredible support of the campus Makerspace, I’ve learned so much. We now have a full plan in place, and once Zelda’s incision is healed, we’ll be ready to fit her for her prosthetic.”
Butcher runs a “full-fledged animal rescue operation” in Madison, which is now home to 17 goats, three horses, seven pigs and “countless” chickens, according to the release.
She’s also a full-time student majoring in psychology, with minors in criminal justice and legal studies and writing. But now, she plans to pursue a law degree, specializing in agricultural law, so she can advocate for stronger protections for livestock, according to the release.
She’s now drafting a proposed Ohio bill to strengthen penalties for livestock abuse and neglect, according to the release.
“Seeing Zelda go from months of pain to having a chance to walk again is one of the most rewarding things I’ve ever done,” Butcher is quoted in the release.