What Happens to Dairy Calves?

Milk from cows is necessary to produce many of the chocolate products you see in the stores at Easter. However, most people don’t realize that cows produce milk by being artificially  impregnated over and over again. These unfortunate cows have their calves forcibly removed at birth so that we can steal their mothers’ milk.

Male calves are considered “waste products” by the dairy industry, and are sent off to be miserably raised and cruelly slaughtered for veal. Approximately 450,000 male calves are raised for veal in the United States every year. These babies spend their entire lives in crates too small to turn around. A fiber or metal cable is tied their necks, further restricting their movement. As a result, their muscles never develop properly, giving veal its pale and soft appearance.  These babies are killed at 16-18 weeks, after being denied all forms of natural behavior such as suckling on their mothers, playing with others, or having social interactions.

You can help reduce the suffering of veal calves by choosing non-dairy chocolates and treats this Easter. Decreasing the consumer demand for milk products will lead to fewer calves born just to be thrown away by the dairy industry.

There are many delicious non-dairy chocolate options available. For an extensive list, see the VegNews Guide here

Learn more about cutting dairy out of your diet here