Update about Rabobank: a prize for animal suffering

Dear animal friend,

Last year, you took action against Rabobank's investments in animal cruelty. We would like to give you an update, as a lot has happened since then!

We have some news: recently, Rabobank published a new animal welfare policy. That might sound like good news, but in reality, it only means a further decline for animals. The policy now has even fewer requirements for animal welfare at the companies they invest in.

That’s why we've come up with something new: the Golden Cowpat!

We present this award to companies that don’t give a crab about animals. And the winner of the very first edition is, of course… Rabobank!

Rabobank wants to keep the new policy as quiet as possible, but with this award, we’re shining a spotlight on Rabobank’s animal-unfriendly policy and increasing the pressure.

What exactly happened?

As you already know, Rabobank invests in animal suffering. Their customers' money goes to some of the world’s largest meat companies, such as JBS, where billions of chickens, pigs, and cows live in extremely poor conditions. Last year, we investigated these investments and proved that they were in violation of the bank’s own animal welfare policy. Rabobank heard our message… but unfortunately, they didn’t choose better animal welfare. On the contrary — they weakened the rules.

This February, the bank published a new animal welfare policy — with even lower standards than before. For example, the bank no longer sets any requirements for environmental enrichment or the maximum number of animals per square meter. And cage housing for pigs and chickens? They’ve decided to turn a blind eye. The previous intention to encourage farmers to stop using cages has been completely removed from the new policy. Can you believe it?

That’s why we’re awarding Rabobank the Golden Cowpat. Because we’re not falling for it! Take a look at the video, where Anita Witzier presents the Golden Cowpat to Rabobank!

Thanks again for your help in putting pressure on Rabobank. Would you like to know what happens next? Sign up for our newsletter.

Best regards,

Suzanne Behrens, World Animal Protection