Sentient World Investigation of Indian Dairy Units (10 Feb – 15 Apr 2026)
Sentient World conducted a first‑of‑its‑kind multi‑state investigation of dairy operations across Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh. The probe examined more than 100 dairy units, ranging from household‑level farms to medium‑scale facilities and large unregulated clusters.
The study found that dairy units housed between 10 and 500 animals, with an average herd size of approximately 50 animals per unit. Overcrowding was a pervasive issue, with animals routinely subjected to prolonged tethering, including double and triple tethering, and in many cases restraint through the nose or mouth. Evidence of compromised animal welfare included malnutrition, untreated wounds, swollen joints, skin infections and behavioural signs of distress. Calves were frequently tethered for extended periods without adequate shelter.
Two instances of the “Khal baccha” practice—using a calf to stimulate milk let‑down—were recorded, and oxytocin use was observed in 90 % of the units, with investigators noting visible bottles, syringes and admissions by some operators.
Milking practices were often unhygienic: milking was carried out adjacent to open drains, sewage and accumulated waste; milk was stored in open containers; and manure and slurry were routinely discharged into open drains. Improper carcass disposal and inadequate dairy waste management further heightened environmental and public‑health risks.
Location analysis showed that in urban areas 70‑80 % of dairy units were situated within 10‑300 m of residential homes, and 5‑10 % were close to water bodies. In rural areas, 40‑60 % of units were similarly close to homes, with around 20 % near water bodies, underscoring the potential for contamination of drinking water sources.
Stakeholder interviews revealed systemic challenges: dairy owners reported limited access to veterinary care, vaccination programmes, insurance and government support. The investigation also highlighted limited regulatory monitoring, with little evidence of regular inspections or timely corrective action, indicating gaps in routine enforcement.
The cross‑state consistency of findings—similar husbandry, milking and waste‑management practices across all six states—suggests that these issues are systemic rather than isolated.
Call to Action
Abhishek Pandey, CEO of Sentient World, stated: “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.” The organisation urges: (i) stronger implementation of existing animal‑welfare, environmental and public‑health regulations governing dairy operations; (ii) regular inspections of dairy units; (iii) improved veterinary support for farmers; and (iv) greater accountability to address non‑compliant practices.
---