Section 4

Veal Crates and Veal Pens

    Veal crates are small, confined stalls where young calves are raised, often with limited space and movement, typically measuring 26-30 inches wide by 66 inches long. Similarly, veal pens are small, enclosed pens that isolate and sometimes chain the baby cow inside to prevent it from moving. This restricted movement is done to prevent muscle development. (18).  They are socially isolated, left in the dark, and often strictly milk-fed which subject them to sickness and disease. (19). This intense confinement of a young animal is extremely inhumane and leads to psychological trauma, physical abnormalities, once again increasing the risk of sickness and disease.

 Only about 13 percent of veal operations in the United States are covered by a crate ban, that being only 9 states. Veil confinement has been attributing to corporate and industrial farming abuse and neglect unseen by the American consumer. The United Kingdom has banned them since 1990, and the European Union has banned them as well (20). Section 4 will permanently end this exploitation, across all 50 states.

Section 4 Legislation

4.1 All veal crates, veal pens, or any confinement systems resembling such structures shall be prohibited in every factory farm and animal facility within the United States. Open and temporary are fully permitted if they comply with the animal confinement standards established in Section 1 (MOS). Any violation of this section shall result in monetary fines and may also carry criminal penalties, including imprisonment.

4.2 All existing veal crates and veal pens must be fully removed from all factory farms and animal facilities within one (1) year of the enactment of this Act. Guidance and resources related to compliance and financial or technical assistance may be found in the section titled “Transition.”

4.3 No calf shall be restrained or tied in any manner that restricts its ability to engage in natural movement, including standing, lying down, turning around, and walking. Temporary isolation may be permitted only in cases where it is necessary for the health, safety, or well-being of the animal, including but not limited to instances of aggression, illness, self-harm, or physical or psychological distress.