I think these two guys stepped on somebody's toes. And I don't mean vets. I get that you can be jailed for contempt, no matter how bogus the charge, but no bail?
Really?As far as ultrasound, if it's against the law that's goofy. These guys own their livestock, or they have customers that do. They are not being starved, mistreated in any way. The "old way" of determining pregnancy was far more invasive. Generally the cow was very resistant. And it could cause the cow to abort...or cause the examiner serious harm.
As stated upthread (@polly tics maybe?) it's regular practice to pull a calf if need be. That is a "medical procedure" that has been in practice since the beginning of time.
I guess I've been lucky all these years. I've done countless "medical procedures" on cows, horses, cats and dogs. I only go to the vet if it's beyond my capability. Sheesh! I could have been in prison.