Protest over dairy farm cow abuse allegations

A protest has been held outside a farm near Northallerton where secret filming seemingly showed cows being kicked and dead calves left in the open.

Video of the actions by employees at Lowfields Farm in Northallerton was captured by an undercover worker for the welfare group Animal Justice Project.

More then 40 animal rights campaigners gathered outside the site earlier.

A spokesperson for Lowfields Farm did not reply to requests for a response and previously declined to comment.

During the undercover investigation, which was prompted by an anonymous tip-off, the footage seemingly captured cows being kicked, punched and struck with apparant electric goads.

It also showed what appeared to be "routine cruelty to cows and calves, unsanitary conditions, and a lack of enforcement", Animal Justice Project said.

After the abuse came to light, the farmer was suspended from supplying milk to Arla, the UK's largest dairy company, while it carried out a full investigation.

A spokesperson for Arla said the farmer was no longer suspended but the individuals involved in the incidents no longer worked at the farm.

They added: "The farmer has reported these individuals to the relevant authorities including the police for animal abuse.

"Since the footage came to light, independent auditors and Red Tractor performed assessments at the farm. Recruitment, training, and monitoring practices are being strengthened to ensure high standards."

Arla said it took the matter "extremely seriously" and that the "actions that were shown in this footage are completely unacceptable and do not meet the high standards that we expect."

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