Horrifying Conklin Dairy Farms footage is why I'm giving up dairy

As well as becoming a non-meat eater again (I was a vegetarian for 21 years but recently 'lapsed' for 3 years), I've made a decision to aim towards a dairy-free life, although I think I'll have to do it gradually to give myself more chance of success in the long-term. This is after I saw the horrifying footage of cruelty towards dairy cows and calves that occurred at Conklin Dairy Farms in Ohio. 

It is deeply disturbing. The undercover film was made by Mercy for Animals, and shows truly sadistic treatment of dairy cows and their calves by workers at the farm. One employee, Billy Joe Gregg, has now been arrested on several counts of cruelty, but owner Gary Conklin - who is filmed repeatedly kicking a downer cow (cows that are too injured to stand) in the face and neck - denies he was aware of the cruelty taking place on his farm.

The footage has caused outrage across the web - prompting Jamie Lee Curtis and Christopher Guest to write an open letter to owner Gary Conklin. Ohio has some of the weakest laws in the US protecting the welfare of farmed animals, and undercover investigations routinely turn up instances of systemic cruelty across America generally.

Conklin's statement has been: "Our family takes the care of our cows and calves very seriously. The video shows animal care that is clearly inconsistent with the high standards we set for our farm and its workers." This statement is clearly untrue, and Conklin should be made accountable.

There has been a Facebook group set up to demand justice at Conklin Dairy Farms, and there is a petition (only US residents can sign) to have the farm shut down completely. Gary Conklin should be made to pay for what has gone on at his farm - he is responsible for what goes on within his own premises.

In terms of my decision to aim towards a dairy-free life, I appreciate that the Conklin Dairy Farms story is one of cruelty, rather than a general issue about dairy farming. But the case has triggered me to look more into dairy-farming, and the dairy cow suffers the most out of all the farm animals. MilkMyths.org.uk is extremely informative about what goes on in the industry.

Plus - there is considerable evidence to show that cow's milk (which is, after all, made for calves rather than humans) and its products are not actually good for us. Calcium we can get from plenty of other sources, and there are many serious diseases such as Crohn's disease that are associated with milk, as well as allergies and eczema.

'Chocolate and Beyond', as my blog on diet-dumping, has seen me change my diet in so many ways over the years. But now I vow always to be more conscious about the food choices I make, and wherever possible, avoid buying into cruelty.

Comments

[Hayley]

I totally agree with what you have said. I've been a vegetarian for a year now and it's been the best decision I've made for my life. After seeing these dairy videos (Conklin, Willet) and reading the research on whether or not the human body really needs dairy products, I've been trying to use as little dairy as possible. It's not hard, but it's not as easy as making the veggie switch. The veggie switch was pretty simple and my body had no problems with it. I've definitely noticed more physiological and digestive problems with coming off of dairy ... but in the end, I know it's worth it both for the animals and my body. I do agree with what you say about this not being a whole dairy farming issue. I have many family members and friends who get their dairy products (and meat) from local, family farms. They are actually able to SEE the animals and know they are well taken care of. I think that's what needs to happen. We need to stop neglecting to see what we are truly eating and where it comes from. I'm not opposed to people drinking milk or eating a burger, but good Lord! Eating a burger, which was meat that came from a cow who was lying in its own feces after being poked, prodded, beaten, and inhumanely slaughtered? How does that not cause one to loose their appetite?!! Great post!

[Bea Elliott]

Great decision --- A very wise and compassionate choice!
Good luck on your journey!

[Andrea Wren]

Hi Hayley,

Thanks for your very helpful comment. I agree that making the switch to non-dairy is more difficult - at the moment my first step is to really just stop buying at home.

Also, your last point is very valid. As consumers we have so much power - if people are making a choice to buy milk or a burger, or whatever - they have the power to demand that there was compassion in its delivery to their mouth!

Thanks again for commenting.

Andrea

[Andrea Wren]

Hi Bea,

Thanks so much for taking the time to offer support!

Andrea