Nov.18, 2002 -- Mary Tyler Moore, Wendie Malick, James Cromwell, Tippi Hedren, Denise Faye, Janet Leigh, Ally Sheedy, Linda Blair, Grant Aleksander, Charlotte Ross, Joan Van Ark, Stefanie Powers, Brenda Vaccaro, and Shannon Elizabeth have written to New Jersey senators to urge support of S. 1478, a bill to outlaw inhumane methods used to produce veal. The New Jersey Senate Committee on Economic Growth, Agriculture, and Tourism is expected to vote on this bill on Monday, November 18th in Trenton. The measure is also supported by veterinarians, animal scientists, businesses, humane organizations, and even farmers.

To produce veal, young calves are chained by the neck in two-foot-wide crates, and this is where they spend their entire lives, unable to walk, turn around, or even lie down comfortably. The calves are fed an all liquid diet that is deficient in iron and fiber in order to induce anemia and the pale-colored meat sold as veal. S. 1478 requires that veal calves be given enough space to turn around, and it requires that they be provided with adequate nutrition..

Mary Tyler Moore wrote, “As a civilized nation, we have an ethical obligation to treat animals humanely. Enacting S. 1478 will help us fulfill that obligation, and it will bring animal protection laws and husbandry practices more into line with popular sentiments.”

The humane treatment of farm animals is a growing social concern, and polls conducted earlier this year show widespread opposition to veal production methods in New Jersey. In April, a Zogby poll found that eighty-five (85%) percent of New Jersey citizens consider it unacceptable to tether calves in crates, and in May, the Eagleton Institute at Rutgers University found nearly a 5 to 1 margin of support (72% support to 15% oppose) for S. 1478 among New Jersey citizens. To date, thirty five New Jersey restaurants have signed pledges not to serve veal from calves raised in crates and fed a deficient diet.

Farm Sanctuary, the nation’s leading farm animal protection organization, is urging passage of S. 1478. The group works to prevent cruelty to farm animals through educational and legislative efforts and operates shelters for rescued farm animals.

More information about the New Jersey veal bill is online at www.njfarms.org.