Millions of dairy animals are kept in cruel, barren and unsanitary conditions in illegal dairies across India. Ask the Indian Government to end their suffering!
Protect Dairy Animals in India
India is home to the world’s largest dairy herd, with numbers continuing to grow. An ever increasing demand for milk, is pushing productivity, with dairy cattle being forced to produce milk in unnatural and highly stressful situations.
Up to 50 million dairy animals are suffering every day in unacceptable conditions in dairies. Millions are kept in badly managed local dairies, known as urban and peri-urban dairies, located in cities and suburbs across India.
Recent research by World Animal Protection across local dairies within the city limits of six major metropolitan areas in India, exposed the inhumane living conditions and shocking treatment of dairy cows and buffaloes.
Dairy animals are living in overcrowded, barren conditions, causing them immense pain and stress. They suffer malnutrition, have inadequate shelter, and don’t have access to proper breeding and veterinary care. They are also often seen eating unsuitable and stale food and drinking sewage water.
Research found disturbing evidences of cattle foraging in garbage, in the middle of bustling roads, in almost every visited city, indicating the absence of proper management of dairy animals. Animals are seen tied up to short ropes round the clock, and forced to lie in their own urine and faeces, without any natural air to breathe, or room to stand, sit, move or roam.
Show you care for cows and buffaloes by signing the petition today!
While all dairies in India are governed by the Registration of Cattle Premises Rules under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, our research found many local diaries are operating outside the law, ignoring laws and policies set to protect animals and the environment.
World Animal Protection is petitioning the Department of Animal Husbandry, Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India, to end the suffering of dairy animals, by phasing out local dairies, and implementing welfare standards that protect all dairy animals across India.
Sign the petition
People in India are deeply concerned for welfare of dairy animals
A survey commissioned by World Animal Protection showed strong support for better protection of dairy animals across the country. Almost 90% of people surveyed strongly agree dairies should be closed if they don’t consider the welfare needs of dairy animals.
Just under half of those we surveyed were unaware that millions of dairy animals are being kept in illegal, unregulated local dairies in their cities and suburbs - often deprived of their basic needs, such as access to clean water and food, and being tethered their whole lives.
Indian people care strongly about the welfare of animals, with 90% of respondents stating they want to see better lives for dairy animals that provide milk for them and their families.
The results of the survey have prompted World Animal Protection to call on the people to demand for better welfare for dairy animals in India. Sign the petition today!