Farmed Animals

Veal Calf Welfare and Industry Reform

Veal production has historically involved severe welfare restrictions but significant reforms have been achieved in recent decades.

Key Facts

White veal produced in isolation in small crates was banned in the EU in 2007
UK white veal was banned following a successful campaign in the 1990s
Rose veal is produced from calves with space, social contact, and straw bedding
Rose veal represents a welfare-positive use of male dairy calves otherwise shot at birth
Approximately 65,000 male dairy calves are shot at birth annually in the UK

Welfare Considerations

The traditional white veal system was among the most extreme welfare abuses in commercial farming. Reforms banning veal crates represent significant welfare progress. However, the alternative of shooting male dairy calves at birth is also a major welfare and sustainability concern. Rose veal production offers a more ethical use of these animals.

What You Can Do

Choose rose veal rather than imported veal when eating veal products
Support campaigns to reduce the shooting of male dairy calves at birth
Advocate for dairy industry adoption of male calf rearing programmes
Support consumer education about the difference between traditional and rose veal production