Petition · past parliament · Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Ban the Separation of Calves From Their Mothers and the Killing of Male Calves

Closed 3,589 signatures

What the petition asks

In dairy farming, typically, calves are taken away from their mothers, with the age of the calves varying. No matter how old the calves are when taken, separation is still painful. The male calves born to dairy cows sometimes become beef cattle, or can be used for veal or simply taken and shot.
We live in a society where cruelty to animals is hated by many, and yet this horrible cruelty is done to dairy cattle and their calves right here, in the UK. This is totally unacceptable.

Some farms keep the calves and cows together, and don’t kill calves or any cattle. While mandating veganism and everyone being vegan would be ideal, at least banning the killing of male calves and the separation of calves from mothers would be a step in the right direction.

Timeline

27 Sep 2021 Petition opened for signatures
27 Mar 2022 Closed to new signatures

Key facts

Signatures 3,589
Status Closed
Department Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Opened 27 Sep 2021
Closed 27 Mar 2022

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Source: the official petition page. Last checked 15 Jul 2026.