New Yorkers, Let’s Put An End To Cruel Confinement!

[This is a guest blog post written by Amanda Citarella.]

The New York Assembly is considering A. 1656, a bill that would make the cruel confinement of veal calves and pregnant pigs illegal. These practices are considered so horrible that they have been banned by the entire European Union, New Zealand, and some US states.

Veal calves are raised in a confined area that keeps them isolated and restricts their movement in order to prevent connective tissue from developing. This practice, along with an unnatural diet, creates the distinct taste and texture of veal.  After four to six months of confinement, the calves are slaughtered. The proposed legislation would require that veal calves be able to lie down, stand up, turn around, and fully extend their limbs. These same rules would apply to pregnant pigs who are currently confined to gestation crates. Barricaded by a two foot wide metal crate on a concrete floor, and unable to even turn around, female pigs have one litter after another until they are sent to slaughter.

Thanks to increased public awareness and changing consumer demands, even major corporations like McDonalds, Burger King, Subway, Denny’s, and Costco have made promises to eliminate suppliers who use gestation and veal crates. Well-known chef, Wolfgang Puck, has also committed to not to useing veal or pork that comes from these cruel crates.