Kraft Must Stop Its Suppliers From Mutilating Dairy Calves, PETA Says

Shareholder Resolution Calls for an End to Gouging Horns Out of Calves’ Heads, an Excruciatingly Painful Process—Alternative Exists

For Immediate Release:
May 5, 2014

Contact:
Shakira Croce 202-483-7382

Kraft Foods Group’s dairy suppliers destroy or remove calves’ horns or horn tissue by using searing-hot irons or caustic chemicals or by cutting or gouging horns out of the animals’ heads as the calves thrash in pain, as seen in this video narrated by actor Casey Affleck. All these excruciatingly painful procedures are typically performed without the use of any painkillers. That’s why PETA, which has purchased stock in Kraft, will present a resolution at the company’s annual meeting in Glenview on Tuesday calling on the company to breed for polled (hornless) cows and phase out dehorning.

When:   Tuesday, May 6, 8:30 a.m.

Where:  The Glen Club, 2901 W. Lake Ave. (near the intersection of Patriot Boulevard and West Lake Avenue), Glenview

“Calves experience excruciating pain when their horns are gouged out of their skulls or their horn tissue is burned out without painkillers,” says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. “Kraft can insist that its suppliers end these hideously painful mutilations, and PETA wants shareholders to help us compel them to do so.”

The struggling of calves during dehorning increases the risk of additional trauma and blood loss. The resulting wounds are also prone to infection and fly larvae infestations. By breeding for polled cattle—which causes at least half the calves to be born hornless—dairy farmers can eliminate this cruel practice. The gene for polled cattle is dominant, so it can stay in the herd.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.