Taiwan has published official guidelines for dairy cattle welfare. The guidelines set out requirements for producers that wish to describe their products as ‘animal-friendly’ (友善).

According to the guidelines, animal-friendly dairy production must feature appropriate veterinary care, opportunities for social interaction and professional training for employees.

The guidelines require that dairy cattle have enough space to lie down, suitable bedding, and access to the outdoors on a rotating basis. Milking sheds must be equipped with cow brushes and feature appropriate lines of movement and anti-slip flooring to reduce the risk of slipping. 

“While long overdue, the guidelines for dairy cattle welfare send a signal to Taiwan’s dairy industry that animal welfare is not an issue that can be overlooked,” stated Yu-Min Chen, Deputy Chief Executive of EAST.

“Our investigations into Taiwanese dairy farms uncovered brutal suffering including malnutrition, widespread heat stress, and unhygienic conditions. We will continue to work with the government to ensure the guidelines better address the cruelties inflicted on these animals,” she added.

Under the guidelines, if dehorning must take place it must be conducted before three weeks of age and be accompanied by pain management. The guidelines also require anaesthesia, sedation, and pain relief when castrating calves. If castration is conducted when a calf is more than two months old, the procedure must be performed by a veterinarian.

While the guidelines are voluntary, they act as a reference for producers seeking to improve animal welfare conditions and lay the groundwork for stronger government regulations.

The government began work on the guidelines began in response to EAST’s two-year investigation into conditions on dairy farms in Taiwan, which shone a spotlight on damning animal welfare issues that plague Taiwan’s dairy industry.

While consultation on the guidelines began in 2019, progress stalled due to objections from a minority of dairy industry representatives over density requirements put forward by EAST.

The dairy cattle welfare guidelines were published shortly after EAST launched the EAST Certified animal welfare certification scheme—the first animal certification scheme in Taiwan using transparent, evidence-based criteria.

The guidelines were formally enacted on April 16, 2021.

Media contact

Yu-Min Chen, Deputy Chief Executive
Environment & Animal Society of Taiwan (EAST)
Mobile: 0910 150 908
Phone: 02 22369735