Animal Welfare Violations at Farms Supplying Cathedral City Cheese Exposed

As a result of the revelations, Saputo Dairy UK, a major dairy producer, suspended Polshea Farm for two weeks while introducing new measures, such as anger management training, CCTV installation, and assigning staff to oversee animal welfare. The Red Tractor assurance scheme also suspended the farm's certification. Meanwhile, investigations by animal welfare officials are ongoing.

Joey Carbstrong, the filmmaker behind the footage, highlighted that both farms showed similar patterns of abuse, including the use of rods to force cows into standing positions. Despite these findings, a visit by animal health inspectors to Trevear Farm, after the footage was received, did not find any illegal activities.

Saputo Dairy UK stated that all supplying farms must adhere to strict animal welfare policies and that they conduct regular audits to ensure compliance. Following the investigation, the company resumed taking supplies from Polshea Farm after addressing urgent issues, including providing professional training and installing surveillance equipment.

The RSPCA, while not having statutory powers, has called for the public to report any cruelty towards commercially farmed animals to governmental agencies. Cornwall Council confirmed that their inquiries are ongoing after receiving the footage earlier in October 2025.

The exposed incidents have raised broader concerns about animal welfare standards within the UK's dairy industry, with activists urging for more stringent oversight and regulations to protect farm animals.