I saw this last night[1]. I looked hard to see if this was a spoof or if someone had mistaken The Onion for a valid news source.

As far as I can though it's real. This is a prime example of #2 that you mentioned. People whose connection to animals is their kids nature shows and maybe a dog or a cat.

[1] http://www.fios1news.com/longisland/protest-over-farm-cow#.V...