CONNECTICUT, USA — Oakridge Dairy, the largest dairy producer in Connecticut, denied allegations from animal rights group PETA that they were mistreating their cows.
PETA sent a cease-and-desist letter to the dairy producer Tuesday, alleging that Oakland Dairy has made “false and misleading marketing claims” involving the wellbeing of their cows, including:
- “The company provides “an exceptional level of care” and “exceptional animal welfare standards” for cows at its facilities;
- Oakridge Dairy cows enjoy “an optimal living habitat,” and “posh living quarters,” including “an open-stall barn that allows cows to walk around as they please” and “plenty of elbow room,” for them to “spend their days relaxing among their peers;” and
- Oakridge Dairy’s milking process “ensures the [cows’] wellbeing,” creates “a haven” for them, and “ensur[es] maximum comfort and efficiency, as well as “long-term health.”
According to allegations from PETA, Oakridge Dairy keeps 2,600 cows confined to a “concrete-floored mega-shed” and away from the outdoors. They claim that video shows the cows are kept in “extremely crowded” conditions where they are unable to stand or lie down comfortably and that they have documented cows with “swollen joints and apparent pressure sores on their legs.”
The group also alleged that the company uses methane digesters to turn the cows’ manure into natural gas in a “dubious ‘clean energy’ scheme with utility company South Jersey Industries.” PETA said any left over manure is used as the cows’ “only ‘bedding.'”…