“What this type of abuse happened on farms associated with companies that have established themselves as industry leaders raises serious questions about surveillance and accountability.”
Edie Bowles, a lawyer and member of Advocates for Animals, said:
system
“There is legal protection in place to protect farm animals just now, so why does this footage show that these dairy cow keepers can act this way at first glance at each other on a regular basis?
“Is it true that animal protection laws are not taken seriously? This is supported by the Animal Sensory Committee, which last week released a report confirming the lack of enforcement of agricultural animals.
She concluded: “This is unacceptable, animals must receive legal protections that they are entitled to.”
Claire Palmer, director of Animal Justice Project, said: “This investigation reveals the shocking atrocities that were inflicted on cows and calves on this Arla farm, as well as the brutal and hidden reality that these animals face daily in milk production.
“Importantly, this was not a single worker misconduct. The abuse was systematic and involved all staff, including the farm manager.
product
“This shows that abuse is not only routine, but also tolerated and seeped within farm operations, raising serious concerns about Aarla’s standards and surveillance.”
She added: “True corporate responsibility means refusing to stock or sell products related to cruelty. Starbucks claims to be concerned about sustainability, but continues to support a pain-based industry.”
The masked footage shows a wide range of abuse, abuse, false treatment, false treatment, lack of care, overcrowding, neglect and trauma in treating cattle living on farms.
The video shows that the newborn calves have been slapped, put on force and left in a single pen for more than nine weeks, exceeding legal restrictions under agricultural animal welfare (England) regulations.
Workers forced the movement using electrical appliances, including pipes, kicks, punches, whips, twisted tails, and cow’s faces and breasts.
It’s falling sharply
A glitter cow struggling to walk was violently forced by a transport truck, violating the Animal Transport Act. Injured and sick cows suffered without treatment and violated the welfare of agricultural animals (England) in 2007.
Designed for up to 214 cows, the shed was forced to stand on their own waste. Dead child and adult cows pose a risk of illness and were left open.
The footage shows the cow is bleeding, dripping from the cow’s head in the milk. Many cows have swelling breasts, indicating infection. The cow slipped and smacked it on the head, breasts and face. A cow was filmed, jumping over a pen and falling onto the floor.
Surveillance on UK farms remains weak despite efforts by the government to improve dairy welfare. Local government inspections have plummeted due to budget cuts, and farms are largely self-regulated.
According to the Social Market Foundation report: 2.3% of British animal welfare violations You will be indicted.
Plant-based
recently Yougov poll Commissioned by the AJP, it was found that most people are unaware of basic dairy farming practices. In fact, only 17% of customers felt that dairy companies were providing adequate information on how to make their products.
Evidence confirming that this is an ARLA farm includes staff admissions, ARLA branded tankers on-site, and multiple online references from news sources below. Huffington Post, Farmers every week, Darlington & Stockton Times and Farmers Mart.
The dairy industry clings to an outdated model, but consumer habits are evolving. One third of people Plant-based alternatives like oat milk are open in the UK. Two-thirds of Gen Z Choose plant-based milk over already dairy products. In 2023, it was reported that meat consumption in the UK had declined 14% since 2012partly due to ethical concerns.
“Thankfully, people are increasingly aware of the reality of dairy agriculture despite the industry’s continued efforts to hide them,” Palmer said. “This growing awareness certainly drives the rise of plant-based foods.”
standard
An Arla spokesman said: “Animal welfare is of paramount importance and we employ a zero-tolerance approach. We take the issues associated with this very seriously. The behavior shown in this video is completely unacceptable and does not meet the high standards we expect from farmers.
“Video individuals are no longer employed on farms. However, Arla has decided to suspend farmers while further researching this. The investigation is still underway, but it is already introducing many measurements alongside independent auditors and external standard organizations.”
An Aldi spokesman said Daily mirrorAJP video has been released. “We take these issues very seriously. We welcome any prompt action taken on this farm to restore the high standards our customers expect. We will continue to communicate with our suppliers and red tractors to monitor ongoing measures in response to these allegations.”
A spokesman for Asda said, “We welcome the prompt response, investigation and action taken by Arla and Red Tractor to ensure the future welfare of animals on this farm.”
A spokesman for the red tractor said Daily mirror: “We take animal welfare very seriously. Within eight hours of the red tractor receiving this footage… an independent assessor was on the farm to investigate this unacceptable behavior by farm workers.
“This test confirms that all individuals identified as cruel animals no longer work on the farm. To ensure the future welfare of the animals, the red tractors must complete additional training for all those still working on the farm. Depending on the findings of further investigation, the farm may face other sanctions.”
Starbucks said it is committed to the highest animal welfare standards.
This author
Brendan Montague is the editor of Ecologist.
