Arla Foods, one of the UK's largest dairy producers, has suspended milk collection from several farms after an investigation by The Mail on Sunday revealed alleged instances of animal cruelty. The exposé, conducted by the Animal Justice Project, secretly filmed workers allegedly kicking cows, dragging them with farm vehicles, and beating them with metal bars.
Following the report, Arla Foods launched its own inquiry, confirming "unacceptable behaviour" at some of the farms supplying its milk. The company, which collects milk from approximately 2,400 UK farms, has not disclosed the exact number of farms affected by the suspension.
The undercover footage also reportedly showed a newborn calf being separated from its mother shortly after birth, and workers urinating in cow pens. Cows were allegedly marched to milking parlours in shackles and forced to sleep in soiled conditions.
Tesco, a major supermarket, confirmed it has suspended milk supplies from three farms implicated in the revelations: Oak Lodge in Leicestershire, Kingston Hill in Oxfordshire, and Bramley in Northamptonshire. Morrisons has described the footage as "deeply concerning."
The Animal Justice Project stated their investigation covered 15 Arla farms across 13 counties, documenting recurring issues. This appears to conflict with Arla's stated animal welfare standards, which include over 100 rules for farmers.
In response to the allegations, Arla announced plans to enhance animal welfare measures. These include mandatory annual animal handling training for all farm staff, conducted by external experts, and an increase in unannounced farm audits. The company stated it has assessed some farms featured in the coverage where no specific animal welfare concerns were raised and found no issues with animal handling.
Separately, Labour MP Kerry McCarthy has formally asked the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary to investigate the reported welfare breaches. Ms McCarthy criticized the dairy industry's reliance on self-reporting, stating that "they have been allowed to get away with it for far too long."