Arla halts milk collection from farms after animal welfare breaches
Dairy co-operative Arla has suspended milk collection from several farms after its own review confirmed unacceptable treatment of cows. The move follows a 12-month investigation by the group Animal Justice Project in the UK.
Arla, the dairy co-operative that also supplies the UK supermarket chain Tesco, has stopped collecting milk from a number of supplier farms. The company confirmed that breaches of animal welfare standards were identified there, according to the farming outlet Agriland.
The activists' investigation
The animal rights group Animal Justice Project spent 12 months investigating 16 Arla-supplying farms across 13 UK counties. It claims to have documented severely lame cows being made to walk, violent handling, tail twisting and calves being taken from their mothers within minutes of birth. The group says its sole focus is ending animal agriculture, and it is urging the government to halt the expansion of dairy farming and fund a fair transition for farmers.
The group's campaigns director, Ayrton Cooper, said an independent expert recorded 360 potential breaches across 10 farms, including cows being kicked and hit. He argued the problem is systemic rather than the work of a single "bad apple".
Arla's response
An Arla spokesperson said the company's own investigation confirmed cases of unacceptable behaviour falling below its standards. The farms have been placed on action plans involving extensive training and follow-up requirements, with compliance to be closely monitored. Failure to meet the standards will bring further action.
The co-op is also tightening welfare requirements across all its farms. Measures include mandatory annual animal-handling training for all farm staff delivered by an external expert, tighter restrictions on certain handling practices and equipment, and more unannounced audits.
Animal Justice Project said Tesco told the Bureau of Investigative Journalism that the farms in its supply chain have been suspended while it investigates. The group is now calling on the Competition and Markets Authority to examine whether Arla's animal welfare claims mislead consumers.
