{"id":4706,"date":"2026-08-03T09:47:15","date_gmt":"2026-08-03T09:47:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/srkbharat.com\/?p=4706"},"modified":"2026-08-03T09:47:15","modified_gmt":"2026-08-03T09:47:15","slug":"investigation-across-100-plus-dairy-units-in-six-states-highlights-systemic-animal-welfare-and-public-health-concerns","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/srkbharat.com\/?p=4706","title":{"rendered":"Investigation Across 100 plus Dairy Units in Six States Highlights Systemic Animal Welfare and Public Health Concerns"},"content":{"rendered":"

\n\tSentient World<\/strong> today released the findings of a first-of-its-kind multi-state investigation into dairy operations across India, documenting widespread animal welfare, public health, and environmental concerns across more than 100 dairy units in Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. Conducted between 10 February and 15 April 2026<\/strong>, the investigation examined a diverse range of dairy operations, from household-level farms to medium-scale facilities and large unregulated dairy clusters.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\tThe investigation found that poor animal welfare and unhygienic dairy practices were not isolated incidents but recurring patterns across locations. Many dairy units were operating in residential neighbourhoods or near public spaces, often within 10 to 300 metres of homes and water bodies, raising concerns about public health, environmental contamination and regulatory compliance.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\tInvestigators documented overcrowding across a majority of facilities, with animals routinely subjected to prolonged tethering, including double and triple tethering and, in many cases, restraint through the nose or mouth. Dairy units housed anywhere between 10 and 500 animals, with an average of approximately 50 animals per unit.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\tThe report records widespread evidence of compromised animal welfare, including malnutrition, untreated wounds, swollen joints, skin infections and behavioural signs of distress. Calves were frequently found tethered for extended periods, often without adequate shelter, while investigators documented multiple instances of Khal baccha practices used to stimulate milk let-down. Indications of oxytocin use, including visible bottles, syringes and admissions by some dairy operators, were also recorded during the investigation.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\tInvestigators further observed that milking was commonly carried out in highly unhygienic conditions, often adjacent to open drains, sewage and accumulated waste. Milk was frequently stored in open containers, while manure and slurry were routinely discharged into open drains. In several locations, improper carcass disposal and dairy waste management practices pointed to broader environmental and public health risks.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\tThe investigation also highlighted systemic challenges facing the sector. Across multiple states, dairy owners reported inadequate access to veterinary care, vaccination programmes, insurance and government support. These findings, coupled with inconsistent enforcement of existing regulations, suggest significant gaps in oversight and accountability.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

\n\t\u00a0<\/p>\n

\n\tKey Observations<\/strong><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n