Compassion in World Farming wants UK male dairy calves to be reared under the highest welfare systems possible. We want a permanent end to live export of our calves to continental veal farms and the unnecessary shooting of calves at birth.

We know that 28% of the British population eats veal (YouGov 2009), many without knowing the majority of this comes from continental veal farms. The Calf life – wanted not wasted campaign seeks an end to the import of this low welfare veal.

We want consumers who eat veal to choose British.

Why British veal is better

Compared with continental veal calves, British calves are given more space as they grown, are fed a more natural diet – with more fibre for younger calves – and are group housed with bedding.

Male dairy calves are generally considered a waste product. Thousands of calves are not reared in the UK and are either shot at birth or suffer long distance transport to veal farms on the continent*. Once on the continent these calves are intensively reared on bare slatted floors; conditions which would be illegal in the UK.

* Exports from the UK are currently suspended due to an industry-led import ban of British calves. This is due to fears over bovine TB.

But the welfare of calves reared for veal differs. Compassion believes that when produced under the best conditions, veal does not need to be a cruel meal.

Help us give calves a life worth living. Go to the Be involved page for more information on how to take part in this campaign.