Newborn calves pinned, smacked, cursed at on organic dairy farm
A newborn calf lay tucked beside his or her mother, the world still quiet. Still safe.
Then came the footsteps.
The mother stood, tense and unmoving, eyes fixed on the man approaching.
He lunged, grabbing the calf by the legs and dragging him or her across the floor. The mother followed, just a step behind.
He forced the calf down and jammed his fingers into his or her mouth.
The calf kicked, soft cries breaking through as a plastic tube slid down his or her throat.
The mother leaned in, her nose brushing the calf’s head.
The man cursed. Shifted. Drove his knees into the calf’s neck.
Still, the calf struggled.
So he stood. Dropped his full weight onto his or her throat. Cursed at the calf for daring to resist.
The calf stilled.
And just like that, he got what he came for.
Welcome to Coombe Farm, a dairy supplier to one of the U.K.’s largest grocery chains.
At the time of filming, it was certified organic and quality-assured by the RSPCA.
But here, calves are force-fed artificial milk while their mothers’ milk is bottled for humans.
Because cows—like humans—only produce milk after giving birth.
Some mothers cry through the night.
Some, injured from repeated births, are shackled just to keep their legs from giving out.
Their calves are all too often slapped in the face, dragged by their legs, and pinned to the floor.
If this is “high welfare,” what happens on the factory farms without certifications?
Animal Equality’s investigators went looking for that answer—and found it.
In the U.S., they documented similar abuse at a farm linked to Babybel, one of the world’s largest cheese brands.
There, calves were found frozen to the ground in their own feces, frostbite separating their hooves from their legs.
This industry runs on suffering—and silence.
But that’s where you come in.
Animal Equality’s monthly supporters power investigations like these.
They push for stronger laws, hold corporations accountable, and change the system failing animals.
Will you join them today?
WILL YOU STEP UP FOR HER?
Her mother’s life was spent in a cage. She will suffer the same fate. But you can change this for millions of animals, currently trapped in factory farms.
By becoming a monthly donor, you support our investigations, campaigns, and legal work . Only $25/month impacts 1,300 animals in a year.
I still imagine that calf when I walk past the dairy aisle.
But when I reach for oat milk or sprinkle plant-based cheese on my pasta, there’s a quiet peace.
You can feel that, too.
Love Veg makes it easy with simple swaps—milks, yogurts, cheeses.
All delicious. All gentle.
It’s a small shift—until you realize who it’s saving.
What will you reach for next?
DEFEND COWS
A cow’s maternal instincts foster a gentle bond with her vulnerable calf.
Preserve this tender relationship by trying plant‑based alternatives to dairy products.
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