Exposed : Abuse of Dairy Cows at Ibaraki Animal Husbandry Center

There was a whistleblower to report repeated acts of violence, including attacking injured areas, at the Ibaraki Livestock Center. On February 19th, a joint complaint was filed with the Ibaraki Prefectural Police in the names of four organizations, Japan Anti-Vivisection Association (JAVA), PEACE (Put an End to Animal Cruelty and Exploitation), Certified NPO Citizens for Animal Protection Ibaraki Network (CAPIN), and Certified NPO Animal Rights Center Japan.

Acts of violence, as shown in the video below, were carried out on a daily basis. At a first glance, it might appear as though they were just trying to move animals, but it’s clear that these acts of unnecessary violence were caused by the negligence of the employees. They were not exposed to excessive workload or lack of break time, as there were breaks of 3-4 hours. The video was captured by an internal whistleblower over a period of three months, but it is said that many incidents were not recorded. The repeated acts of violence likely pushed the mental state of the enclosed cattle to the brink.

The video capturing the acts that were reported

The Ibaraki Livestock Center is a public facility of the prefecture, with its role described as “a base for experimental research towards strengthening the production of livestock management, the development and maintenance of superior breed livestock and the realization of livestock management harmonized with the region.” However, in an environment where violence prevails and suffering and fear dominate, it cannot fulfill this role, nor does it serve its purpose at all.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries also deemed the situation inappropriate and issued a directive titled “Thorough Management of Livestock Farming Considering Animal Welfare” (Livestock No. 2932, March 29, Reiwa 5) in response to this incident. In this notification, the Livestock Center is positioned as a “public facility for livestock management by prefectural etc. public institutions, which are required to demonstrate exemplary livestock management considering animal welfare to livestock operators.” It is strongly worded, stating that it is “very regrettable that inappropriate actions were taken in such a facility and it is necessary to promptly rectify them.”

In other words, all these acts of violence are unnecessary to operate the duties of the employees. The employees who committed these acts and the Ibaraki Prefecture, which supervises them, must take responsibility, receive punishment, and work towards comprehensive improvement.

Unfortunately, it is impossible to ascertain for the moment whether improvements are being made. If there are no changes such as replacing employees, providing thorough training, and revisions to the supervision system, it is likely that there has been no improvement. We should demand Ibaraki Prefecture confirm the progress and content of the improvement and reduce the suffering of the cattle still confined and subjected to experimentation. Please see their contact below.

To Governor Kazuhiko Ooigawa
978-6 Kasaharamachi, Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture, 310-8555,
Phone: 029-301-2133 (General Affairs Department, Public Relations and Publicity Division, Public Relations and Consultation Section)
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Translated By: Seika.K