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An animal rights group has released covert footage that shows a worker at a dairy farm punching calves and kicking cows in the face.

Undercover cameras were set up at Pyrland Farm following a tip-off from a local resident that animals were being abused there.

And in just one day earlier this month multiple ‘attacks’ were caught on film at the farm in Taunton, Somerset.

Incidents included young calves being kicked to make them stand up, aggressively twisting cows’ tails and repeatedly slamming metal gates into them.

(Image: SWNS.com) (Image: WDPress/SWNS.com)

The farm, which has 250 cows, is run by James Read who said he was horrified and distraught after being shown the footage.

He said he was due to meet with those involved and with the RSPCA . But claims it was the actions of just one worker, an 18-year-old apprentice, that had caused concern with the RSPCA.

He added: “The RSPCA are coming and I will be discussing it with them.

(Image: SWNS.com)

“They want to interview the lad in the video - and I have not even had a chance to speak to him yet.

“Of course I am shocked to hear about it. We have got a lovely set up here and we have a high welfare standard for our cows.

“I am horrified by what I have seen in this video. I have not discussed it yet with the lad. There is only one worker involved. The RSPCA do not have a problem anyone else in the video.

(Image: SWNS.com)

“But this is clearly not acceptable what this worker has done. Absolutely not. Of course it has an impact on us as a business. No one likes to see that sort of footage and watching it has really upset me.”

“He will be dealt with by the RSPCA and myself. I’m going to have to sack him.

Animal Equality investigators said they made multiple visits to the farm and also documented at least half a dozen cows with their back legs chained in hobbles.

Further footage from the farm shows cows suffering from crippling lameness and pressure sores with one appearing to be in extreme discomfort and struggling to walk.

The RSPCA has been approached for comment.