Investigation Reveals Shocking Abuse of Cows on M&S and Muller Farms
In a disturbing expose, undercover footage has revealed the shocking abuse of cows at dairy farms supplying yoghurt giant Muller and Marks & Spencer. Workers were captured hitting cows with poles, kicking them, and yelling abusive language at them in scenes of violence that have sparked outrage among animal welfare activists and consumers alike.
One particularly distressing incident caught on camera shows an employee at an M&S poster farm for animal welfare standards aggressively running at a cow, shouting offensive language, and then jabbing her with a sharp object. The footage, taken at a milk producer with RSPCA Assured endorsement supplying both M&S and Muller, also shows a tractor being driven at speed towards cows to force them to run away.
M&S and Muller, both known for their commitment to high animal welfare standards, were quick to respond to the footage. M&S immediately suspended the farm in question pending an investigation, while Muller took swift action by terminating a worker after being shown the video clips. The RSPCA also suspended the farm after reviewing the disturbing footage, highlighting the seriousness of the situation.
Activist’s Investigation Exposes Routine Abuse in Dairy Industry
Joey Carbstrong, the activist behind the undercover footage, claims that the video clips reveal the routine abuse that cows in the dairy industry face when workers believe they are not being watched. The disturbing scenes captured on camera show workers repeatedly hitting cows with metal chains and poles, kicking them, and using offensive language towards them.
At one farm, workers were seen angrily running after cows, swearing, and physically assaulting them with sharp objects. In another instance, workers were filmed hitting penned cows on their spines with poles and brooms, causing the animals to slip and struggle in distress. The footage also shows workers shouting at cows while hitting them with poles, creating a climate of fear and intimidation for the animals.
The disturbing behavior documented in the footage contradicts the high animal welfare standards that M&S and Muller claim to uphold. The farms implicated in the investigation were supposed to adhere to strict guidelines for animal care and welfare, yet the footage paints a grim picture of the reality faced by cows in the dairy industry.
Response from M&S, Muller, and RSPCA
In response to the shocking footage, M&S issued a statement emphasizing their commitment to animal welfare and expressing their shock at the behavior captured in the videos. The company stated that the actions depicted in the footage fell well below their standards and that they had immediately suspended the farm in question while launching an investigation in collaboration with RSPCA Assured.
Muller Milk & Ingredients also condemned the abusive behavior captured in the footage, emphasizing that such actions are not representative of the high health and welfare standards they require from their supplying farms. The company stated that they do not tolerate animal cruelty and have initiated a full investigation to address the situation promptly.
The RSPCA Assured, an organization dedicated to ensuring high standards of animal welfare, expressed their dismay at the behavior shown in the footage. They suspended one farm from their scheme pending further investigation and reported the matter to the Animal and Plant Health Agency. The RSPCA Assured reiterated their commitment to animal welfare and encouraged anyone with concerns about welfare issues to come forward for immediate investigation.
The expose of abuse at M&S and Muller farms has sparked widespread outrage and calls for greater transparency and accountability in the dairy industry. Consumers are demanding answers and action to ensure that such cruelty towards animals is not tolerated or overlooked in the pursuit of profit.