Sentient World Probe Finds Widespread Dairy Welfare and Hygiene Concerns Across Six Indian States

According to the investigation, poor animal welfare and unhygienic dairy practices were not isolated incidents but recurring patterns across multiple locations. Many dairy units were found operating in residential neighbourhoods or near public spaces, often within 10 to 300 metres of homes and water bodies, raising concerns over public health, environmental contamination and regulatory compliance.

Investigators documented overcrowding across a majority of the facilities, where animals were routinely subjected to prolonged tethering, including double and triple tethering. In many cases, animals were restrained through the nose or mouth. The dairy units investigated housed 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 without adequate shelter. Investigators also documented multiple instances of Khal baccha practices being 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 under 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 within the dairy sector. Across multiple states, dairy owners reported inadequate access to veterinary care, vaccination programmes, insurance and government support. The findings, together with inconsistent enforcement of existing regulations, indicate significant gaps in oversight and accountability.

The report states that more than 100 dairy units were investigated across six states between 10 February and 15 April 2026. Dairy operations ranged from 10 to 500 animals, averaging around 50 animals per unit. Overcrowding and prolonged tethering, including double and triple tethering, were commonly documented. Investigators recorded two instances of Khal baccha practices, while 90 per cent of the units were found to be using oxytocin.

According to the findings, in urban areas, 70 to 80 per cent of dairy units were located close to residential areas, while around 5 to 10 per cent operated near water bodies. In rural areas, 40 to 60 per cent of dairy units functioned close to residential areas, and around 20 per cent were situated near water bodies.

The investigation identified established operational patterns, noting that similar husbandry, milking and waste management practices were observed across multiple locations, indicating standardised operational methods rather than isolated occurrences. It also found limited evidence of regular regulatory inspections or timely corrective action, suggesting gaps in routine enforcement. Limited access to veterinary care, training and institutional support was identified as a contributing factor to poor welfare and management practices, while inadequate oversight was found to allow non-compliance with existing animal welfare standards to continue with few consequences. The recurrence of similar findings across different states indicated that these challenges were widespread rather than location-specific, prompting the report to call for stronger implementation, monitoring and accountability under existing regulations.

The investigation videos released by the organisation are available at youtu.be/8G-YPiSSPbE and 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 called for stronger implementation of existing animal welfare, environmental and public health regulations governing dairy operations. The organisation also urged regular inspections of dairy units, improved veterinary support for farmers and greater accountability to address practices that compromise animal welfare and hygiene.

Sentient World describes itself as an organisation working to document and expose animal welfare concerns through evidence-based investigations, research and public awareness initiatives. It states that by bringing credible documentation to light, it seeks to strengthen accountability and encourage meaningful improvements in animal welfare standards across sectors.