Veal production has undergone significant welfare reform in Europe and parts of North America. Understanding what has changed and what remains helps advocates identify current priorities.
Veal welfare has improved substantially in the EU through legislative reform banning the worst practices of traditional white veal production. However, the welfare of male dairy calves globally remains problematic: in countries without viable veal markets, male calves are often killed shortly after birth as an economic by-product of dairy production. Rose veal and other welfare-improved veal systems represent a genuine improvement for calves that would otherwise be killed at birth. Advocates working on dairy welfare should engage with the fate of male dairy calves as an integral part of the dairy welfare picture.