The ASPCA and New Jersey Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg Urge Support of "Veal" Bill

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
Tuesday, 11 March 2003

A. 1948 pending vote by full assembly; companion bill passed by State Senate.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) is urging New Jersey residents to support A.1948, a bill pending in the New Jersey State Assembly that would require the humane treatment of calves raised for "white veal." Every year, 750,000 calves are used in white veal production, most of them unwanted males from dairy farms who are removed from their mothers immediately at birth. The calves are shipped to veal production facilities, where they are placed in crates, chained or tethered at the neck, and are unable to turn around in their enclosure for the duration of their lives. In addition, unlike beef calves, who are allowed to nibble on grass, veal calves are fed only an all-liquid milk substitute. The restricted diet and total absence of exercise make the calves anemic, retard their muscle development, and significantly impair their physical and psychological well-being.

While several European countries, including Britain and Switzerland, have enacted laws banning white veal production, the United States has yet to do so at either the federal or state level. The New Jersey bill, which has already passed the Senate and is heading for a vote by the full Assembly, would require veal calves to be raised in an enclosure large enough for them to turn around and lie with their legs outstretched, and would prohibit the chaining or tethering of the calves for more than one hour at feeding time. The bill would also require that veal calves be fed a daily diet containing sufficient iron to prevent anemia and maintain them "in good health and vigor." Violators of any provision would be subject to a fine of up to one thousand dollars and a prison term of up to six months.

New Jersey Assemblywoman Loretta Weinberg has sponsored the bill and is appealing to her colleagues to join her in supporting the legislation. "We teach our children to treat others with respect. Yet, some of us handle animals as though they were inanimate objects. Well, they aren't 'things.' They feel and suffer, too. I hope my colleagues in the legislature recognize these calves' physical and emotional needs and require that they be treated humanely."

For more information, or to contact American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, see their website at: www.aspca.org