Veal production has historically caused some of the most severe farm animal welfare failures, but significant reforms have transformed the industry in Europe while other regions lag behind.
Traditional white veal production caused severe welfare harm — social isolation, iron deficiency causing anemia, and space restriction preventing normal movement. EU reforms have substantially improved veal welfare for animals in compliant systems. However, the collapse of veal markets in some countries has led to dairy bull calves being shot at birth — an immediate welfare concern of different character. Welfare reform must ensure humane alternatives exist across the complete system.