Animal Equality investigation reveals neglect at US Calf Ranch
Animal Equality has conducted an undercover investigation in Summit Calf Ranch (Nebraska), where 11,000 calves are confined. The ranch is owned by Tuls Dairy, a supplier of Bel Brands and producer of Babybel.
The undercover footage reveals the prolonged suffering of dozens of calves—whose ages range from one up to 150 days old—freezing to death in temperatures that dropped to -20 with the wind chill. Repeated exposure to extreme temperatures resulted in frozen limbs and the hoof separation from several calves’ legs. Some even died in agony.
Among the cruelty witnessed, our investigator found:
- Workers shoving, jabbing, and hitting calves with sorting sticks and hot rods as the manager’s dog lunged and bit the backs of their legs.
- Painful disbudding of calves using hot irons.
- Calves dying of scours and pneumonia after being left outdoors in freezing temperatures.
- Sick cows, left with dead cows, receiving no veterinary care.
- Hernia repair, banding (castration), and other painful procedures without pain medication.
Our investigation into Summit Calf Ranch revealed a shocking lack of meaningful care provided to baby calves. We documented sick newborns surrounded by their already dead pen mates in an area referred to as the ‘hospital’ where they were left to suffer for days and in many cases finally die.
Sean Thomas
International Director of Investigations for Animal Equality.
Protect cows from abuse
Join us in denouncing the cruelty of cows at Summit Calf Ranch. Tell Babybel you will not stay silent about the abuse uncovered inside its supply chain.
You can choose not to contribute to their suffering by switching to dairy-free alternatives. Milk alternatives like soy, oat, and almond milks are more accessible and delicious than ever and have the power to protect cows from cruelty on factory farms.
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.
