Polls Find Widespread Opposition to Cruel Veal Production in NJ
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Assemblywoman Weinberg's Statement | Senator Bryant's Statement

WEINBERG/GUSCIORA BILL TO STRENGTHEN NJ ANTI-CRUELTY STATUTE APPROVED BY COMMITTEE

NJ Would Become the First State to Ban Inhumane
Practices in Raising Calves for Veal

Released on January 16, 2003

(TRENTON) -- The Assembly Environment and Solid Waste Committee today released legislation Assembly Majority Conference Leader Loretta Weinberg and Assemblyman Reed Gusciora sponsored that would make New Jersey the first state in the country to ban acts of animal cruelty commonly employed in veal production.

European nations have enacted legislation to ban inhumane veal production as well as other cruel farming systems. In 2000, similar animal anti-cruelty legislation was introduced in the U.S. Congress to amend the Animal Welfare Act to require humane living conditions for calves raised for the production of veal.

The Weinberg/Gusciora measure (A-1948) would require calves to be raised unchained or tethered - except for one-hour while feeding - in an enclosure of sufficient size to allow the animal to move and groom itself, and be fed a diet sufficient enough to prevent anemia or impairment of the digestive tract.

"We have laws on the books protecting pets, yet cruelty to calves has been overlooked for years," said Weinberg (D-Bergen). "If a dog owner treats a pet the same way calves are raised for veal, the pet owner would have to answer for the inhumane actions. Calves may not be 'a man's best friend,' but they still deserve humane treatment."

According to animal rights advocates, every year approximately 750,000 calves are raised for veal in the United States. Most veal calves are unwanted males from dairy farms and are typically slaughtered at 5 months of age.

Under inhumane conditions, calves raised for veal are removed from their mothers immediately after birth and commonly experience the stress of minimal colostrum (first milk) intake. The calves are fed an all-liquid milk substitute which is deficient in iron and fiber. The liquid diet causes anemia which produces a pale-colored flesh sold as "white" veal.

Veal calves often are confined in crates measuring two-feet wide and chained by the neck, making it impossible for them to turn around, stretch or lie down comfortably. This confinement prevents muscle development in order to keep the meat tender. Under provisions of this bill, veal calves raised in New Jersey must be allowed to move 360-degrees within their pens.

"Europe has taken the lead in banning the crate and anemic diet from veal production," said Gusciora (D-Mercer). "New Jersey should follow in its footsteps and be the first state in this nation to ban the inhumane practice."

Various public opinion polls have found that Americans oppose inhumane methods used to produce veal. Veal consumption in the U.S. has dropped from three pounds per person in the 1970's to less than one pound per person today. During the past year, more than 20 New Jersey restaurants have pledged not to serve veal because of animal welfare concerns.

The committee released the measure 4 to 2. It now heads to the Assembly Speaker, who decides whether to post it for a floor vote.