Farmer suspended after video shows Northallerton dairy cow abuse
A farmer has been suspended from supplying milk to the UK's largest dairy company after secret filming seemingly showed cows being kicked, beaten and struck with apparent electric goads. Video of the actions by employees at the farm in Northallerton in North Yorkshire was captured by an undercover worker for the welfare group Animal Justice Project.It appears to show dead calves left in the open as well as cows, struggling to walk, being forced onto transport trucks.Dairy processor Arla said the farmer had been suspended and "all individuals identified mistreating animals no longer work on the farm".
A spoksperson for the company said the actions shown in the footage were "completely unacceptable and do not meet the high standards that we expect from our farmers".They added: "Animal welfare is of the utmost importance and we take a zero-tolerance approach. We take any matters relating to this extremely seriously.
"While the investigation is still ongoing, we have already put a number of measures in place alongside independent auditors and external standards organisations."During the undercover investigation, which was prompted by an anonymous tip-off, the footage seemingly captured cows being kicked, punched, and struck with pipes and apparent electric goads.Speaking to the BBC, the undercover worker claimed that cows were mistreated from "the very first shift".He said: "The group of cows are milked three times a day on rotational shifts and every single shift cows get hit and beaten."The video footage showed what appeared to be "routine cruelty to cows and calves, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of enforcement", Animal Justice Project said. The welfare group claimed it also "uncovered overcrowding, with sheds designed for 125 cows crammed with up to 214, forcing animals to stand in their own waste."
Edie Bowles, solicitor for Advocates for Animals, said: "Legal protections are in place to protect farmed animals from exactly this, so why does the footage indicate that the keepers of these dairy cows are able to behave this way on a seemingly regular basis in front of one another?"Is it the case that the laws that protect animals are not taken seriously?"The farm had been Red Tractor certified, meaning the milk has been deemed to have been produced in accordance with British standards. In a statement, Red Tractor said it took "animal welfare extremely seriously"."Within eight hours of Red Tractor receiving the footage an independent assessor was on the farm to investigate this unacceptable behaviour by farm workers. "This inspection confirmed all individuals identified mistreating animals no longer work on the farm."Red Tractor said those still working on the farm would be required to complete additional training.It added: "Depending on the outcome of further investigation, the farm may also face other sanctions."An RSPCA spokesperson said: "This is incredibly distressing and completely unacceptable behaviour. "All farmed animals must be treated with respect."Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
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