With around 25 million dairy cows, the European Union is the largest milk producer in the world. The suffering in the dairy industry is immense but is sadly often forgotten – hidden behind closed doors.
In order to produce milk, a dairy cow is required to give birth once a year. Soon after birth, her calf is taken away from her – just as they form a bond.
Tragically, more cows than ever are being kept indoors for longer, or even all year round – a practice known as zero grazing. You can watch a video showing zero grazing conditions here.
Milk is heavy and a dairy cow may be carrying several extra kilos of milk in her udder – around double what a cow would have carried 40 years ago. This can force her hind legs into an unnatural position, making walking difficult.
A dairy cow that could naturally live 20-25 years will go through a constant cycle of pregnancy and lactation throughout her short life. She is commonly deemed a waste product after only four to six years of being milked to excess.
With your help we can work to change the lives of millions.
Scientific experts on animal health and welfare have said that cows in the European Union are bred to produce unreasonable amounts of milk and suffer from hunger, lameness and infertility. Experts have recognised this suffering – now, with your help – we must put a stop to it.
What we are doing
Compassion in World Farming is determined to improve the welfare of our dairy cows and calves in the EU. Our primary focus is on the high level of lameness, mastitis and infertility, on the use of zero-grazing and on ensuring that male dairy calves are given a decent quality of life.
By working with key players in the dairy industry, we are making changes from the inside. Retailers are beginning to look at their supply chains and dairy farmers are starting to look at their herds in a different way. We are helping them to understand that dairy cows should be treated with respect and compassion – not just as milk machines.
Please don’t let these animals suffer in silence.
We urgently need to build on our work with the dairy industry to improve the lives of these animals – please help us with a donation today.
Other ways to donate
- Donate with Paypal:
- Visit our international donations page with currency converter
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- Make a donation via CAF online
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The amount you specify is taken directly from your salary before tax. That means that every £1 you give costs you just 80p (60p if you're a higher-rate tax-payer) - the tax man pays the rest! - Send a cheque made payable to "CIWF" to:
Compassion in World Farming - WA001
River Court, Mill Lane
Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1EZ - Or call us free (from the UK) on 0800 999 0101
Lines are manned 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday.
Read more
Read more about the welfare issues of dairy cows here.
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Regular updates
We update our supporters regularly to show how your support is making a difference to farm animals in need around the world:
