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Welfare of dairy animals should be priority: Survey

November 29, 2016 11:40 AM

Punjab News Express/Y.S.Rana
CHANDIGARH: In the run up to National Milk Day, the World Animal Protection’s research reveals overwhelming support for welfare standards for dairy animals. The survey reveals that 90 per cent of people surveyed strongly agreed that dairies should be closed if these did not consider the welfare needs of dairy animals.

On the other almost 87 per cent said that government should intervene and bring in better welfare standards for dairy animals. Nearly, 90 per cent were more likely to buy products from a company that sourced from dairies adopting better animal welfare practices. It was also found that three out of four who regularly buy dairy brands would be willing to pay five to ten per cent more for the products that came from dairies having better animals welfare standards.

The official of the World Animal Protection said that new survey conducted by them had shown the cruel treatment to animals in local dairies in India was unacceptable to almost 90 per cent of people who responded and highlighted strong support for better protection for these animals across the country.

Notably, almost half of those surveyed were unaware that millions of dairy animals were being kept in illegal, unregulated local dairies in their cities and suburbs - in cruel, barren and unsanitary conditions, often deprived of their basic needs, such as access to clean water and food, and being tethered their whole lives.

With almost 300 million dairy cows and buffalo, India is by far the largest dairy producer in the world. 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 survey results have prompted World Animal Protection, on National Milk Day, to call on the people of India to demand for better welfare for dairy animals in India.

Gajender Sharma, Country Director of World Animal Protection India, says: “It’s unacceptable that animals are living in appalling conditions, not meeting their basic needs. These results show that people want better welfare for our dairy cattle, and it matters to them where their milk comes from.”

“Illegal local dairies that disregard the welfare needs of animals need to end. These dairies keep animals in conditions most people find unacceptable, and also cause environmental and health concerns in our cities.

“We’ve made great progress since 2014 with the introduction of the first National Dairy Code of Practice for the Management of Dairy Animals in India, which offers guidance on humane and sustainable practices in our dairies. We now need to see this code implemented and enforced without delay, ” he added.

Maj. Gen. (Dr.) R. M. Kharb, Chairman, Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) says: “AWBI strongly supports adoption of better welfare practices for dairy animals in India by implementing the guidelines of National Code of Practices for Management of Dairy Animals, developed by National Dairy Research Institute in partnership with World Animal Protection which, will help dairy animals live happier, healthier and more productive lives.

“In 2015, AWBI had issued an advisory to all State Governments recommending to implement the guidelines of the National Code of Practice for management of dairy animals to ensure better welfare of dairy cattle. Due consideration to these guidelines be also given while registering the cattle premises, during inspections, extension services and trainings.

“This will not only promote and protect the welfare of Dairy Cattle but will also lead to sustainable dairy farming.” EOM

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