Marks & Spencer and Müller Milk & Ingredients have acted swiftly after footage surfaced showing abuse of dairy cows at farms supplying their products. The footage, released by activist Joey Carbstrong, led M&S to sever ties with the implicated farm and initiate an investigation, while Müller has dismissed the involved worker and launched its own probe. Both companies emphasize their commitment to animal welfare and have vowed to prevent future incidents. Carbstrong calls for a shift to plant-based diets in light of these abuses.
In response to disturbing footage of dairy cow abuse, both Marks & Spencer (M&S) and Müller Milk & Ingredients have taken immediate action to address the situation. The footage, released by animal rights activist Joey Carbstrong, shows workers physically abusing cows at two farms—one an RSPCA Assured M&S Select Farm and the other supplying milk to Müller.
The footage, captured secretly at Church Farm in Chichester, West Sussex, and Heaths of Stockton at Stockton Grange Farm in Newport, reveals workers hitting, kicking, and verbally abusing the animals. This footage has sparked outrage and calls for accountability within the dairy industry.
Marks & Spencer’s Response
Marks & Spencer, a major British retailer known for its commitment to ethical sourcing, has swiftly removed the implicated farm from its supply chain. The company has initiated a comprehensive investigation in collaboration with the RSPCA. A spokesperson for M&S expressed their deep concern, stating, “This footage is completely unacceptable, and the treatment of the animals is a disgrace. We are taking all necessary steps to ensure such behavior is never repeated.”
Müller’s Action
Müller Milk & Ingredients, a leading dairy company, has also reacted promptly. The company confirmed that the employee shown in the footage has been dismissed and is conducting a thorough investigation into the matter. A Müller spokesperson emphasized, “This upsetting and unacceptable behavior is in no way representative of the high health and welfare standards we require from our supplying farms. We do not tolerate animal cruelty and are committed to maintaining strict welfare standards across our supply chain.”
Calls for Change
Joey Carbstrong, who released the footage, criticized the dairy industry for its treatment of animals, stating that such incidents are a consequence of viewing animals merely as commodities. He urged the public to reconsider their consumption of dairy products and explore plant-based alternatives.
The incidents have sparked a wider discussion about animal welfare in the dairy industry and the need for more stringent oversight and reforms.
