As International Women’s Day approaches on 8 March, a UK charity has revealed alarming survey results about public awareness of dairy production practices.
The findings have prompted calls for Britons to “Stand up for cows and ditch dairy for International Women’s Day”.
A YouGov survey commissioned by Animal Justice Project highlights a significant knowledge gap among UK adults:
- Over half (52%) were unaware that cows must be impregnated annually for milk production.
- A staggering 83% didn’t know that calves are separated from their mothers within 24 hours of birth.
- 82% were unaware that dairy cows are typically slaughtered at 5-7 years old, despite a natural lifespan of 20-30 years.
- Only 17% believe dairy companies provide sufficient information about milk production methods.
Matthew Glover, Veganuary founder, describes the results as “a serious eye-opener”, stating: “These results are a serious eye-opener and it is clear that the public has no idea what happens to cows in the UK in the production of dairy products.
“It’s shocking that more than half of Brits are not aware that cows must be forcibly impregnated each year in order to enable milk production – it’s time we were enlightened and educated as part of a kinder and more sustainable society”.
Andy Shovel, co-founder of plant-based meat brand THIS, comments: “As a nation, we pride ourselves in kindness towards animals… But when it comes to the dairy industry – ignorance is bliss.
“After decades of intensification and moral misgivings by intensive farming corporations – it could well be time for the UK’s wake-up call”. He also notes that dairy is “A bit weird”.
Robbie Lockie, CEO of The Freedom Food Alliance, expresses concern over the lack of transparency: “It’s deeply concerning that only 17% of people feel that dairy companies provide enough information about how their products are made.
“This lack of transparency isn’t just an oversight—it’s part of a wider pattern of misinformation”.
Claire Palmer, founder and director of Animal Justice Project, urges the public to recognise cows as mothers too: “On International Women’s Day, we urge the public to recognise that cows are mothers too. Like human mothers, they love their babies immensely.
“The suffering they endure when those calves are torn away within hours of birth is unimaginable”.
The charity is calling on UK residents to “Stand Up For Cows and Ditch Dairy for Women’s Day” on 8th March 2025, highlighting the connection between dairy consumption and animal welfare.
As awareness grows, so does the popularity of plant-based alternatives, potentially leading to a significant shift in UK consumption habits.
