Animal Equality’s recent investigation into dairy farming in India has uncovered disturbing evidence of cruelty and abuse. The investigation highlights the harsh realities of the dairy industry and shows the urgent need for change across the global industry.
The production of milk and other dairy products is often described as a natural process for cows and other animals used by the dairy industry. However, the reality of our milk supply is not quite as picturesque. Have you ever considered what goes on behind the scenes in the dairy industry? It is a world where animal abuse is common and animal suffering is ignored for profit.
Imagine newborn calves screaming for their mother when they are torn apart just hours after birth. Mothers are subjected to endless cycles of pregnancy just to produce milk, only to be slaughtered when there is no profit left. This is the dark truth of the dairy industry, and it’s a story that needs to be told.
Recently, our team in India made a disturbing discovery that highlights the harsh realities of this industry. Animal Equality’s chief executive officer in India, Amey Deshmukh, bravely documented these activities, witnessing tears rolling down the faces of cows and buffalo as these animals daily suffered extreme cruelty. These findings shed light on the urgent need for change in the dairy industry, both in India and around the world.
Amey’s story captures attention
Over the course of a year, Amey and Animal Equality’s tireless investigators traveled throughout the Indian states of Bihar, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana and West Bengal. With unwavering determination, they visited 27 farms, 6 markets and 2 slaughterhouses involved in the dairy industry of India.
What they discovered in these facilities was truly shocking, documenting everything from child workers rubbing chili peppers into cows’ eyes to workers artificially inseminating cows with their bare hands.
Amey shared her findings:
Workers routinely separate newborn calves from their mothers, causing immense suffering and trauma to both mother and child. Male calves are often considered unprofitable and sold for slaughter or left to starve. Female calves must go through the same cycle of pregnancy and forced birth as their mothers, as this is the only way they can produce milk.
With no offspring, the mother cows struggle to produce milk, but instead of letting them breastfeed, dairy farmers resort to cruel and inhumane methods to increase milk production. Mothers were forced to stand next to their dead baby after workers stuffed hay into the carcass of a dead calf. It is believed that this will fool the mother cows into thinking that they need to continue producing milk.
Contrary to popular belief, cattle are sentient animals and the pain of losing their children is no less than that of human mothers.
Amey Deshmukh, Managing Director of Animal Equality India
Workers use illegal hormones like oxytocin to increase milk production. This dangerous practice has been banned due to its harm to animals and the health of people consuming dairy products. However, in pursuit of profits, more than half of India’s dairy farms continue to use this hormone. These practices are not only unethical but also pose a serious threat to public health.
Weak and vulnerable animals are beaten when forced onto transport trucks. Workers painfully handle the animals’ genitals, inserting rods to cause pain and force them to move. This cruel practice causes extreme pain to the animals. Children working in these markets were observed to imitate this behavior.
Dairy industry is a global threat
In addition to recent footage from India, Animal Equality investigators have documented the suffering and cruelty in the dairy industry in countries such as the United States, Spain, Italy, and Mexico. These investigations uncovered a systematic pattern of abuse and neglect in the industry worldwide:
USA
In the United States, there are over 9.3 million dairy cows. Animal Equal’s investigation of Supplier of Babybel Tuls Dairy discovered related finds at their Summit Calf Ranch. Footage obtained during the investigation shows sick and injured one-day-old calves being neglected and inadequate medical care, some even being left to die on dead calves. die.
The investigation documented cases of workers harming calves, including beating them, as well as conducting painful procedures such as castration without the use of any form of anesthesia.
Young calves are not protected from extreme cold, resulting in serious injuries. In some cases, the calves’ hoofs freeze and separate from the feet. With sub-zero temperatures coupled with cold winds, the water and food supplies for the calves froze, leaving the animals thirsty in addition to being inadequately protected by their plastic huts.
Mexico
Animal Equal’s investigation of Dairy farm in Mexico revealed standard practices used in domestic dairy production, regarding cruelty to animals at every stage of the process.
During our investigation, our team discovered that calves were separated from their mothers shortly after birth to prevent them from drinking breast milk. As a result, it is common to hear crying calves calling for their mother in distress. Meanwhile, cows are forced to repeatedly artificially insemination, an act that is not only cruel but also harmful to their health.
Newborn calves are found locked up in small, dirty cages, leading to a multitude of health problems. Workers were seen cutting the horns and tails of adult cows without anesthesia, and stamping them with hot irons.
Plus, cows are sometimes forced to eat magnets to draw metal in their stomachs from contaminated feed. Cows with low milk production were then slaughtered in abattoirs, where the animals were usually killed while awake.
Italy
Animal Equal’s investigation of buffalo mozzarella production in Northern Italy discovered terrible conditions for the animals involved. The investigation captured images of buffaloes covered in mud and feces up to their knees, forced to live next to dead animals. The animals were also swarmed with flies, and many suffered abuse and poor living conditions.
In addition to the abuse of adult buffalo, the investigation also discovered that the male buffalo was left to die of hunger and thirst after being torn apart. Investigators also found the body of a buffalo hidden under a pile of straw and manure.
With one small action, you can make a lasting difference: How individuals can contribute to positive change
Amey’s story serves as a wake-up call to the importance of not advocating for these unethical and unsustainable farming practices. Now is the time for change, and we must use our voices and actions to demand a more humane and ethical food system. Join our Vegetable Love journey today.
PROTECT THE MOTHER’S LOVE
A cow’s maternal instinct fosters a tender relationship with its vulnerable young. Maintain this tender relationship by choosing plant-based alternatives to dairy products.
Animal Equality now offers a unique opportunity to make a big difference with just one small action. During the month of June, your donation will be doubled thanks to the generosity of an anonymous donor. For example, a donation of $20 will turn into $40 and a donation of $40 will turn into $80.
If you sign up to be a monthly donor for Animal Equality in June, your donation will compound monthly for a year, effectively doubling your impact on animals!
This opportunity to make a difference for animals, such as cows and buffaloes, only lasts until June 30, or until Animal Equality hits its global target of $500,000. Your donation, no matter the amount, can have a significant impact on the lives of these animals. Thank you for supporting Animal Equality and contributing to positive change.
Help double the number of animals
Your gift to Animal Equality is building a better future for all animal. Donate before June 30th and before we hit our $500,000 global goal and your donation will match.
