Current Press Releases

Chicago's Renowned Spago Restaurant Takes Stand Against Cruelty

Legendary Restaurant Removes Veal from its Menu

Chicago, IL - November 10, 2003 - Farm Sanctuary and concerned citizens are expressing heartfelt thanks to Spago, an upscale Wolfgang Puck restaurant in downtown Chicago, for removing cruelly produced veal dishes from its menu. Spago's manager, Gerry Muldoon, stopped serving veal in response to concerns raised by Farm Sanctuary members Rachel Lang and Matthew Alschuler, and other consumers, about the inhumane conditions in which veal calves are raised.

To produce veal, male calves are taken from their mothers within days of birth and chained by the neck in two foot-wide crates. They are tethered at the neck and unable to move, preventing muscle development. The calves are fed an all-liquid diet deficient in iron and fiber, resulting in anemia and the pale-colored flesh sold as veal. These practices remain legal in the U.S. despite widespread public opposition, but are considered so cruel they are outlawed in Europe. In addition to the cruelty inherent in producing veal, it is among the most likely meats to contain antibiotic drug residues, posing a health threat to consumers.

"Spago is to be commended for taking a compassionate stance," said Gene Baur (formerly Bauston), president of Farm Sanctuary. "Consumers are appalled to learn that veal calves spend their entire lives tethered in crates where they can't walk or even turn around. This inhumane confinement system has been outlawed in other countries, and it should be prohibited in the U.S. as well."

Farm animals are exempted from most anti-cruelty laws in the United States, so it is up to consumers and retail establishments to take a stand against cruel farming practices. The trend-setting Chicago restaurant, Spago, is doing just that, and it is setting a positive example for others. Citizens in Chicago and across the U.S. are encouraging restaurants to drop veal from their menus, and over 350 establishments have now pledged not to serve veal from calves who are raised in crates.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.