This 2001 survey commissioned by the Progressive Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) estimated consumption of veal and evaluated acceptability of farming practices related to veal.

In the previous 6 months, 78% of Seattle residents had not consumed veal. Of the 22% who had eaten veal, 64% had consumed veal less than 3 times during this period, and 3% had eaten in on average 1 time per month.

Respondents were asked to rate the acceptability of the following statements (Acceptable/Unacceptable/Unsure or Refused):

“A veal calf is taken from his mother within a few hours of birth and transferred to a barn where he will spend the rest of his life in a narrow two-foot by five-foot crate with a slotted floor and no bedding material.” (16%/82%/2%)

“In order to limit his movement and stunt his muscle development, the veal calf is chained by the neck in the crate at all times.” (13%/87%/2%)

“In order to keep his flesh the light-color desired in gourmet veal, the calf receives a milk replacement formula that is low in iron. This milk substitute is the only nourishment the calf receives. He is even deprived of water so that his thirst will force him to drink more formula.” (16%/84%/1%)

“Because of his weakened immune system, he is likely to be heavily medicated with antibiotics and other drugs. Veal samples tested by the USDA have been found to contain drug residues that pose serious risk to human health.” (6%/93%/ 1%)

When asked if knowing how veal calves are raised would make them more likely or less likely to eat veal in the future, or if it made no difference, 70% of the respondents said they would be less likely to eat veal. In fact, 54% reported they would be much less likely. Most of the other respondents (27%) reported that this knowledge would make no difference.

After learning the details of how veal calves are raised, 58% of respondents said it would influence their choice of restaurant; 41% said that this would not influence their choice of restaurant.

95% of respondents felt that farm animals should be treated “humanely.”