This investigation in Colombian dairy farms shows calves and heifers are kept on short ropes, nearly immobilized and isolated for the first three months of their lives. Keeping baby cows tethered in ropes is illegal in the European Union. They are left without protection from the heat and cold. Shockingly, one heifer was sick and left to die from heat, thirst and starvation on the field. She was too weak to stand up to access food and water.