Animal protestors occupy Dorset Dairy Farm
The group that previously disrupted the Grand National demonstrated at a farm in Dorset.
Animal activists have descended on a dairy farm in Dorset protesting conditions.
Animal Rising was responsible for disruptions at the Grand National.
Around 30 demonstrators occupied the farm and comforted calves kept in pens there. They also demanded the release of one calf as a good will offering.
They claim calves should not be kept in pens separate from their families.
No arrests were made and everyone left safely after discussions with farm managers.
The group says it is trying to start a conversation with the farming industry.
Ben Newman, one of those taking action said:
“Just like every other animal in farms across the UK, the baby cows here just want to be free and live without the threat of being slaughtered for food or repeatedly impregnated so they produce milk. The dairy industry - indeed all of animal farming - is not working for any of us, farmers included.
"Exploiting these animals for our own purposes is hurting us, it’s hurting our environment, destroying our rivers, and it’s killing billions of innocent individuals each year. We need a safe and secure food system and that can only come once we all truly consider how to mend our shattered connection with all animals and create a world that is kinder to us all.”
But, a spokesperson for farm owners JF Cobb and Sons said:
"I don’t need to tell you how disappointing this is for all of us. As a family farming business, we care passionately about our livestock and all our energy is focused on keeping our cattle comfortable and healthy. We work closely with vets and industry welfare experts to establish the best approach to looking after our animals and our health and welfare performance is industry-leading. Our animals are under close veterinary supervision and there is no suggestion that the health and welfare of our animals has been compromised.
"We have been in liaison with Marks & Spencer and our milk buyer over this matter and last week spot audits were undertaken, including from Trading Standards. All of these audits were passed successfully, with no concerns over animal welfare."