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Shocking images show cows kept in tiny pens at dairy that supplies milk to M&S

Shocking footage has been released of cows being kept in tiny pens at a dairy which supplies Marks and Spencer with milk.

Images released by Animal Equality UK of the Grange Dairy in East Chaldon, Dorset, show calves kept side by side in rows of small individual pens

UK law states calves must be kept in groups after they reach eight weeks of age.

Animal Equality UK, which has called on M&S to break ties with the supplier, claimed some of the animals shown were as old as six months.

Cows: The calves are kept in small, solitary pens (Animal Equality UK)
Cows: The calves are kept in small, solitary pens (Animal Equality UK)

The farm would not comment on the calves' age, but insisted audits last week from Trading Standards and others showed there were no concerns over animal welfare.

M&S says it has now been to the farm, which has 1,000 female Holstein calves and is run by JF Cobb & Sons, to investigate.

Farming: Campaigners have slammed the dairy (Animal Equality UK)
Farming: Campaigners have slammed the dairy (Animal Equality UK)

Dr Toni Shephard, executive director of Animal Equality UK, said: “Seeing row after row of baby calves alone in tiny pens, when they should naturally still be with their mothers, is truly heartbreaking.

"But realising that many of these are actually older female calves who, contrary to UK animal welfare law, have been confined like this for many months is shocking.”

A spokesman for M&S said: “We were very disappointed to see the images, any breach of our standards is completely unacceptable.

"Our experts have been on site and worked with the farm to take action and address the situation. We work hard to uphold the highest welfare standards which is recognised by animal welfare charities.”

JF Cobb & Sons partner Nick Cobb said: "As a family farming business, we care passionately about our livestock and all our energy is focused on keeping our cattle comfortable and healthy. We work closely with vets and industry welfare experts to establish the best approach to looking after our animals and our health and welfare performance is industry-leading.

"Our animals are under close veterinary supervision and there is no suggestion that the health and welfare of our animals has been compromised.

"We have been in liaison with Marks & Spencer and our milk buyer over this matter and last week spot audits were undertaken, including from Trading Standards. All of these audits were passed successfully, with no concerns over animal welfare.”