The Times today reports on a video which shows cow abuse at a Marks & Spencer farm which is also an RSPCA Assured farm. The video shows cows being beaten and stabbed. On this page there is a video which I can’t watch it to be honest and I’m sorry for that but I believe it is the video referred to by The Times. I hate to watch animal abuse on video as it believe it damages me. I have seen too many when preparing articles and had to stop.
An undercover investigation by a vegan activist found an instance of an employee appearing to stab a cow in the hind leg with a sharp object. And there are other instances of cow abuse at this farm.
The animal rights activist is Joey Carbstrong. He is a former gang member. His published footage from secret cameras placed on the farm which is owned by Charley Langmead.
The farmers been an RSPCA Assured facility since 2022.
The video shows workers smacking calves in the face. They also kick cows, hit the animals on the back with a metal floor scraper and they call the cows f***ing c***s
Also, an employee at the farm is seen calling one of the animals ” f***ing retarded” after which they lunge at the car with a small metal object and stab it in the hind leg.
Joey said: “Our latest investigation exposes the façade behind the RSPCA’s Assured label which is meaningless in protecting animals.”
I have to say that I tend to agree because if you go to YouTube you will find at least 10 videos showing animal abuse on RSPCA Assured farms. The instance of cow abuse described on this page is not unique, far from it appears.
Below is a description of the RSPCA Assured badge or label and what it means. I have to say that it appears that farms are using this label to promote their businesses unethically and unscrupulously.
In response to the allegations, M&S on X said: “This footage is completely unacceptable and the treatment of the animals is a disgrace. As soon as we found out about this we immediately removed this farm from our supply chain and have launched a full investigation with the RSPCA.”
MORE: Tesco and Lidl ban beef from a farm where cows were abused
Assured label/badge
The RSPCA Assured badge is a certification mark awarded to farms, producers, and businesses that meet the high standards of animal welfare set by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) in the UK. It focuses on improving the living conditions, handling, transportation, and slaughter of farm animals.
Here’s an overview of what the RSPCA Assured farms badge represents:
1. Animal Welfare Standards:
The badge is only given to farms that meet the RSPCA’s specific welfare standards for various types of livestock, including chickens, pigs, cattle, sheep, turkeys, ducks, and farmed fish. These standards go beyond basic legal requirements, ensuring better treatment and welfare throughout an animal’s life.
Key welfare requirements include:
- Space to move: Animals must have room to express natural behaviors.
- Enrichment: The environment is designed to provide stimuli like perches for chickens or toys for pigs.
- Quality food and water: Animals are given nutritious food and clean water.
- Health monitoring: Regular checks to monitor the animals’ well-being.
- Humane slaughter: Ethical and low-stress methods are used at the end of life.
2. Inspection and Auditing:
Farms and producers are regularly inspected and audited by independent experts to ensure they comply with these strict welfare standards. These checks cover the entire production process, from the birth or hatching of the animals to their transportation and slaughter.
3. Consumer Trust:
The RSPCA Assured badge gives consumers confidence that the food they purchase has come from farms where animal welfare is a top priority. It applies to products like meat, eggs, and dairy, and encourages responsible farming practices.
4. Types of Products:
The badge is commonly seen on:
- Meat (beef, lamb, pork, and poultry)
- Eggs (free-range and barn eggs)
- Fish (including salmon and trout)
- Dairy products
5. Ethical Choice:
For consumers who want to ensure their food choices align with higher animal welfare standards, looking for the RSPCA Assured label is a way to make informed, ethical purchases.
Overall, the RSPCA Assured badge supports better animal welfare in farming and gives consumers a clear way to recognize products that meet these high welfare standards.
