Ethical Veal? An Oxymoron to Me!

Post written by VegBlogger. Follow me on Twitter.

One of the reasons I've been an advocate of animal rights over animal welfare is
because in the end, animal welfare will not get people to stop eating, using and abusing animals. It will merely get them to feel better about doing it in the first place.

Case in point: Yesterday the American Veal Association announced that they are adopting an ethical principle and code of conduct. You can read their announcement about it here.

So to make a long story short, they are announcing to the public that they will be nicer and more "ethical" in their veal production efforts.

Those who fight for animal welfare can take comfort in knowing that the veal industry has heard them. Now the industry can address the issues so that the consumers feel better about eating baby calves (or at least send out press releases touting their efforts, after all, who's holding them accountable?). Those who support animal rights can continue to speak out against the eating of baby calves in the first place.

Is this a victory for those who support animal welfare? I suppose it depends on what your definition of "ethical" includes. As an ethical vegetarian I can tell you that it doesn't fit my definition. Put a calf on a golden bed of hay and read to it each day and if you still slaughter it you have violated my ideals of what is ethical.

Comments

[NSBMOM]

Veal truly makes me sick. I have a hard time keeping my mouth shut when I hear someone order it in a restaurant. THere is no "ethical" solution to veal.

[Jacqueline]

I completely agree!
And it's nice to know you are still reading my blog. Thanks! :)