Sentient investigations have documented animal welfare concerns across India’s dairy and poultry sectors, covering operations ranging from small dairy units housing 10 animals to large poultry facilities with estimated capacities of 2 lakh layer hens.
The dairy investigation examined more than 100 units across Chandigarh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Bihar, West Bengal and Chhattisgarh. The facilities housed between 10 and 500 animals, averaging around 50 per unit. Investigators reported overcrowding, prolonged tethering, untreated wounds, skin infections and inadequate shelter for calves.
A separate investigation covered 21 layer-hen facilities across Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, with capacities ranging from approximately 3,000 to 2 lakh birds. All used battery-cage systems. Investigators reported overcrowding, injuries, fighting, physical weakness and routine debeaking.
The findings also highlighted gaps in veterinary access, vaccination, insurance and government assistance for dairy owners. Poultry facilities showed limited implementation of biosecurity measures, while investigators raised regulatory compliance concerns in Madhya Pradesh.
In Kolkata, the findings are relevant to West Bengal’s dairy supply chain and the wider poultry sector, highlighting the importance of animal welfare, veterinary support and responsible production practices for businesses and consumers.
Sentient has called for regular inspections, stronger implementation of existing standards and greater accountability across animal-rearing facilities.