HALF a million male dairy calves are born every year in the UK but, in 2005, 115,000 were killed shortly after birth because they are not valued by either the dairy industry or beef farmers.

However, they could be raised for British veal.

In the UK, more than a quarter of the population eats veal (youGov, 2009), yet most of the consumed veal is imported from intensive Continental systems, which do not meet British animal welfare standards.

High-welfare veal is being produced in Britain. The calves are reared in groups, on straw and receive a better diet.

If British veal-eaters switched from imported to home-reared veal, the British farming industry would be able to give calves a life worth living.

This is why I urge all your readers in Derbyshire and surrounding regions to choose British-reared veal, if they eat veal. Please contact Compassion in World Farming at supporters:ciwf.org.uk or +44(0) 1483 521 953.

Ruth Blackwell,

Oak Close,

Duffield.