WSPA follows up election promises

Aug 3, 2010

This skinny Holstein cow with its giant udders is typical of this breed, producing vast quantities of milk at the expense of its own health.
© Neil Darwent

In the run up to the general election, WSPA contacted candidates from all the main political parties asking for their support concerning three key animal welfare issues – the threat of a resumption of commercial whaling, the illegal international trade in bear bile, and moves to create enormous, indoor ‘mega-dairies’ in the UK.

WSPA’s ‘Voice for the Voiceless’ campaign attracted the support of hundreds of political candidates – thanks, in no small part to our supporters who questioned them on their commitment to animal welfare – of which 45 went on to become elected MPs. A full list of the MPs who signed WSPA’s election pledge can be found here >>

Opposition to ‘mega-dairies’

Now, with the looming threat of the proposed 8,100 herd ‘mega-dairy’ in the village of Nocton, Lincolnshire, WSPA UK has contacted all 45 MPs who declared themselves against industrial dairy farming.

At a time when UK consumers are no longer willing to tolerate battery hens, why do some elements of the farming industry think they would be ok with 'battery cows'?

Welfare problems

Based on the US industrial model, operations of the scale and structure – like the Nocton application – make their profits by working their assets as hard as possible, placing enormous pressure on the cows.

Antibiotics, stress, fear and aggression are a routine feature of these herds’ lives.

Cows housed in these types of indoor, industrial dairies spend the vast majority of their lives indoors, housed in cubicles, with little – if any – access to grazing. They run a higher risk of suffering health and welfare problems than pasture-based cows. The cows also tend to lose their worth after about five milking cycles, wrung dry at too early an age.

How is WSPA fighting this?

We have just completed thorough research to support not only the clear animal welfare arguments against an enterprise such as the proposed farm at Nocton, but also the impact to the environment, the sustainability issues, how it will affect farmers with smaller dairy farms, as well as looking at alternatives that will still bring in money for farmers, without compromising cow welfare.

We strongly believe there is an alternative, more positive future for the UK dairy farming industry, which places good animal welfare at its heart, but can still work for farmers and consumers alike.

How you can help

The “Not in My Cuppa” campaign aims to capture public revulsion for factory milk from battery cows. As a WSPA supporter and an animal lover, you have a crucial role to play in the future of dairy cows in Britain.

We need you to take part in our Not in My Cuppa campaign – and ask all your friends and family to do the same.

You can sign up online, use your facebook or twitter account or if you’ve a few minutes to spare why don’t you make a video or take a photo expressing your disgust at factory milk from battery cows. You can also follow the campaign on our dedicated Twitter and Facebook campaign channels:

Please visit notinmycuppa.com today >>