Behind India’s Dairy: Filth, Suffering, and Hidden Dangers in Your Glass of Milk
Animal Equality exposes how there are more concern areas for dairy consumers amidst news emerging from different regions of India regarding adulteration of paneer.
The organisation has released findings from a new investigation conducted in 2025 in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Maharashtra.
The study covered 27 dairy farms and 3 cattle markets in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra. Evidence gathered reveals widespread violations of animal welfare and food safety laws.
Calves Stolen at Birth
On every farm we visited, calves were tied away from their mothers moments after birth. We heard their cries echo through the sheds — high-pitched calls for the mothers they would never nurse from again. The mothers bellowed in distress, pulling against their ropes, searching for their babies.
In one of the most disturbing findings, workers stuffed the bodies of dead calves with hay to trick grieving mothers into continuing to produce milk.
Neglect and Suffering
Many animals were found sick and injured, but received no medical attention. Reproduction in the dairy industry is no longer natural — artificial insemination is used repeatedly, year after year, until the mother’s body can no longer endure the strain.
A Silent Health Threat
Without veterinary supervision, farm owners routinely injected animals with medications — not to treat illness, but to force their bodies to produce milk.
Separating a calf from its mother causes the mother to withhold milk. Farmers then inject oxytocin to force contractions and release the milk, causing the animal severe pain.
For the animals, oxytocin induces intense labour-like pains, damages reproductive organs, and shortens their lives. And in consumers it may lead to early puberty in girls, gynecomastia in boys, and vision or hearing problems in children. Pregnant women risk miscarriage, birth defects, low infant immunity, and postpartum bleeding from its consumption.
Deliberate Abuse
Beyond neglect, investigators witnessed deliberate abuse. Workers hit and forced animals onto vehicles, showing complete disregard for their pain and fear.
Filth in Every Drop
Cows stood in ankle-deep waste. Buckets of milk sat uncovered in the same area infested with flies. None of the dairies had adequate cleaning or sanitation procedures.
This is the same milk that ends up in paneer, tea, cheese and sweets across the country. With recent reports of paneer adulteration emerging from different regions of India, these findings show that the problem runs much deeper than just mixing harmful substances — it starts with how milk itself is produced.
A Call for Change
Animal Equality has been investigating dairy farms in India since 2014. Each time, we have found the same: neglected animals, rampant violations of animal welfare laws, and serious threats to food safety.
“This is why we are urging the Government of India to act: to introduce rules which will reduce the suffering of millions of animals in dairies. The authorities must provide training and monitoring on animal welfare and food safety. We have recommended setting up committees at state and district levels to ensure these measures are enforced.” Amruta Ubale, Executive Director of Animal Equality
The Way Forward
The dairy industry thrives on keeping this cruelty out of public sight. But behind every glass of milk is a life of confinement, separation, and suffering. For the sake of both animals and people, it’s time for change.
Dairy production in India — and globally — is built on the exploitation of mothers and babies. By choosing plant-based alternatives, we can reduce this suffering and help create a food system that is kinder, safer, and more sustainable.
DEFEND MOTHERHOOD
A cow’s maternal instincts foster a gentle bond with her vulnerable calf. Preserve this tender relationship by choosing plant-based alternatives to dairy products.
Recommended
