Behind India’s Milk and Eggs: The Animal Welfare Questions Consumers Rarely Get to Ask

One of the most significant findings emerged from Madhya Pradesh, where Sentient’s investigation records indicated that none of the seven poultry facilities examined possessed Consent to Establish or Consent to Operate documentation from the state pollution control board. The organisation’s records also referred to complaints submitted in 2024 concerning environmental compliance at these facilities, raising questions about the extent of follow-up and enforcement.

The consent status and applicable requirements for each facility would need to be independently verified by the Madhya Pradesh Pollution Control Board. However, the findings underscore the importance of regular compliance checks and timely investigations into reported violations, rather than relying on public complaints or independent investigations to bring potential gaps to light.

Environmental management emerged as another area of concern. At poultry facilities, investigators observed manure accumulated beneath cages, stagnant water, strong odours, flies and rodents. At dairy units, animals were found in areas contaminated with waste, while discarded carcasses were documented at dumping sites, including locations accessible to stray dogs.

Such conditions raise concerns about sanitation, animal welfare and potential environmental and public health risks. Effective oversight requires facilities to follow applicable requirements for manure collection, wastewater treatment, drainage and safe carcass disposal. Inspections must also assess actual operating conditions, rather than relying solely on the availability of paperwork.

Sentient has called for regular inspections, greater transparency in regulatory findings and timely corrective action when facilities fail to meet applicable requirements. It has also emphasised the need for better coordination between pollution control boards, animal husbandry departments, veterinary authorities and local bodies.

For poultry facilities, monitoring should extend to overcrowding, injuries, hygiene and waste management. Dairy inspections should also examine tethering practices, calf welfare, veterinary care, the use of medicines and carcass disposal. A reliable system for recording complaints, documenting corrective measures and conducting follow-up inspections would help ensure that identified problems are addressed.

While independent investigations can bring conditions on the ground to public attention, the responsibility for verifying compliance and enforcing applicable standards rests with regulatory authorities. The challenge is to ensure that rules translate into consistent oversight and meaningful action, protecting animal welfare and the environment.