Horrific abuse of cows and calves exposed at dairy farm supplying the UK’s biggest milk produce

WARNING - DISTRESSING CONTENT: Welfare group Animal Justice Project exclusively shared their latest investigation with Nada this week, highlighting worrying cruelty

Cows have been kicked, punched and lashed with hoses on a dairy farm supplying Arla, the UK's biggest milk producer.

Footage shot by an undercover worker also revealed electric prods were used on cows shortly after giving birth and calves were slapped after being separated from their mothers.

Lame cows were forced on to transport trucks, against UK transport laws, and sheds had nearly double the intended number of animals, who were standing in filth.

Arla, which supplies milk to the likes of Aldi, Asda and Starbucks, has condemned the animal abuse and suspended the farmer while it investigates.

The footage, obtained for the group Animal Justice Project, shows what seems to be routine cruelty to cows and calves and unsanitary conditions at the US-style mega farm.

Claire Palmer, director of AJP which has filed a complaint with Trading Standards, said: "Farms like this are governed by industry run assurance schemes that fail to protect animals.