Kumar Bahukhandi
Sentient World today released the findings of a first-of-its-kind multi-state investigation into dairy operations across India, documenting widespread animal welfare, public health, and environmental concerns across more than 100 dairy units in Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal, and Chhattisgarh. Conducted between 10 February and 15 April 2026, the investigation examined a diverse range of dairy operations, from household-level farms to medium-scale facilities and large unregulated dairy clusters.
The investigation found that poor animal welfare and unhygienic dairy practices were not isolated incidents but recurring patterns across locations. Many dairy units were operating in residential neighbourhoods or near public spaces, often within 10 to 300 metres of homes and water bodies, raising concerns about public health, environmental contamination and regulatory compliance.
Investigators documented overcrowding across a majority of facilities, with animals routinely subjected to prolonged tethering, including double and triple tethering and, in many cases, restraint through the nose or mouth. Dairy units housed anywhere between 10 and 500 animals, with an average of approximately 50 animals per unit.
The report records widespread evidence of compromised animal welfare, including malnutrition, untreated wounds, swollen joints, skin infections and behavioural signs of distress. Calves were frequently found tethered for extended periods, often without adequate shelter, while investigators documented multiple instances of Khal baccha practices used to stimulate milk let-down. Indications of oxytocin use, including visible bottles, syringes and admissions by some dairy operators, were also recorded during the investigation.
Investigators further observed that milking was commonly carried out in highly unhygienic conditions, often adjacent to open drains, sewage and accumulated waste. Milk was frequently stored in open containers, while manure and slurry were routinely discharged into open drains. In several locations, improper carcass disposal and dairy waste management practices pointed to broader environmental and public health risks.
The investigation also highlighted systemic challenges facing the sector. Across multiple states, dairy owners reported inadequate access to veterinary care, vaccination programmes, insurance and government support. These findings, coupled with inconsistent enforcement of existing regulations, suggest significant gaps in oversight and accountability.
Key Observations
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100 plus dairy units investigated across six states between 10 February and 15 April 2026.
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Dairy operations ranged from 10 to 500 animals, averaging around 50 animals per unit.
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Overcrowding and prolonged tethering, including double and triple tethering, were commonly documented.
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2 instances of Khal baccha practices and 90 per cent of units used oxytocin
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In urban areas, 70-80% of dairy units are close to residential areas, and around 5-10% units are close to water bodies in cities.
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In rural areas, 40-60% of the dairy units work close to residential areas, similar to cities, and around 20% are close to water bodies in villages.
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Established operational patterns: Similar husbandry, milking and waste management practices were observed across multiple locations, indicating standardized operational methods rather than isolated occurrences.
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Limited regulatory monitoring: There was little evidence of regular inspections or timely corrective action, suggesting gaps in routine enforcement.
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Gaps in farmer support systems: Limited access to veterinary care, training and institutional support appears to contribute to poor welfare and management practices.
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Low accountability: Inadequate oversight allows non-compliance with existing animal welfare standards to continue with few consequences.
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Cross-state consistency: The recurrence of similar findings across different states indicates that these challenges are widespread rather than location-specific.
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Need for stronger implementation: Existing regulations require more consistent implementation, monitoring and accountability to drive meaningful improvements in animal welfare.
Investigation videos-
1. Video 1: youtu.be/8G-YPiSSPbE
2. Video 2: youtu.be/es7xD-IpAII
This investigation demonstrates that poor animal welfare and unhygienic dairy practices are not isolated incidents but systemic issues observed across multiple states where we conducted our investigations. The findings highlight the urgent need for stronger implementation of existing laws, better oversight and greater accountability to safeguard animal welfare, public health and environmental standards,” said Abhishek Pandey, CEO, Sentient World.
Following the investigation, Sentient World calls for stronger implementation of existing animal welfare, environmental and public health regulations governing dairy operations. The organisation also urges regular inspections of dairy units, improved veterinary support for farmers, and greater accountability to address practices that compromise animal welfare and hygiene.
About Sentient World
Sentient World is an organisation working to document and expose animal welfare concerns through evidence-based investigations, research and public awareness initiatives. By bringing credible documentation to light, the organisation seeks to strengthen accountability and encourage meaningful improvements in animal welfare standards across sectors.
