How veal production is reforming toward higher welfare standards and what change has been achieved.
Veal production reform is one of the clearest regulatory success stories in farmed animal welfare. The ban on individual calf crates has transformed production systems in the EU, demonstrating that regulatory welfare reform can achieve large-scale improvement. The welfare gains from group housing, solid flooring, and adequate diet are substantial for animals that previously could not turn around or lie down comfortably for their entire lives. The remaining challenge is improving veal systems in countries without regulatory reform and addressing the welfare of male dairy calves in markets where veal is not commercially viable.