Reflect on animal welfare this World Milk Day
A cow at a farm in Stellenbosch, South Africa
Image: FOUW PAWS
How much do you know about the animals behind your dairy products? On World Milk Day on June 1, global animal welfare organisation FOUR PAWS has urged South Africans to reflect on the welfare of animals behind one of the country's most common everyday products.
The organisation is urging consumers to learn more about where their food comes from and commit to making kinder, everyday choices. While milk is a fixture in many homes, from morning drinks to cereal, FOUR PAWS highlights the frequently "untold" story of dairy production. Dairy cows, like all mothers, form strong bonds with their calves and must give birth regularly to produce milk. However, calves are separated from their mothers within hours or days so that the milk can be collected for human consumption.
FOUR PAWS further notes that all male calves and most female calves are subsequently slaughtered at an early age, with only a small number of female calves being reared for milk production.
Fiona Miles, Director of FOUR PAWS South Africa, stated that understanding these realities can lead to more informed, compassionate choices. “On World Milk Day, we encourage people to pause and think about the animals behind these products,” Miles explained. “When we understand their experience, we can begin to make kinder, more conscious choices”.
The push for awareness comes amid rising global demand for dairy, which increases pressure on farming systems. The organisation suggests that even simple actions can make a positive difference.
Miles added that adopting a more compassionate lifestyle does not have to be an immediate change. “Small steps, like switching to a plant-based option, can contribute to a kinder future for animals”. FOUR PAWS emphasises that the observance of World Milk Day is intended to be about awareness and progress, not judgement.
FOUR PAWS invites communities to observe World Milk Day by taking the following actions:
- Learn more about how dairy products are produced.
- Try a plant-based alternative in beverages or meals.
- Reduce dairy consumption where possible.
- Start conversations with family members about food choices and animal welfare.