Bobby calves in Aotearoa New Zealand are newborn dairy calves, usually only a few days old, who are treated as surplus byproducts of the dairy industry
Approximately 1.8 to 2 million are sent to slaughter every year. While some are raised for beef, many are processed for veal, pet food, rennet, or other byproducts.
New Zealand is the only country in the world killing newborn calves on this scale as a direct consequence of intensive dairy production.
The practice is widely criticised as both cruel and unnecessary. Calves are separated from their mothers shortly after birth, disrupting natural maternal bonding, and are transported while still extremely young, vulnerable, and highly dependent on milk.
This early separation causes significant distress for both calves and mothers.
Workers and investigators have also described calves instinctively suckling on the fingers or clothing of slaughterhouse staff and transport workers in search of comfort, warmth, or milk – a stark reminder of how young and dependent these animals still are when they are killed.
