Activists Submit Petition to Parliament Demanding a Ban on Raising Calves in Cages
Sofia, Bulgaria - In an unprecedented act of civic unity and activism, the organization "Invisible Animals" and numerous engaged citizens today submitted a petition to the Bulgarian Parliament's registry, calling for a legislative ban on the practice of raising newborn calves in tight cages. The initiative, which began in 2024, successfully mobilized extremely broad public support, gathering over 110,000 signatures.
The demand of the initiators is categorical: to put an end to a practice in the "dairy farming" sector in Bulgaria, which, according to them, is not only morally unacceptable but also in conflict with all modern standards for humane animal treatment. The organization emphasizes that immediately after birth, newborn calves are separated from their mothers and placed in small, individual cages that restrict their movement and natural development.
"From the moment it is born, the calf is separated from its mother. It is thrown into a small cage, barely larger than itself. It's a baby. It needs to play, to socialize, to have space. Instead, it is crammed into a concrete cell or between iron bars. Hour after hour. Day after day. Week after week. For months on end. In loneliness and fear between the same four walls, from which there is no escape. This is its entire childhood", explains Stefan Dimitrov, an activist from "Invisible Animals", emphasizing the emotional and physical trauma to which the animals are subjected.
The organization points out that this practice is in full contradiction not only with humane principles but also with the recommendations of key European institutions. They refer to the opinion of the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), which is the competent scientific body of the European Union. According to EFSA, the practice of raising calves in cages should be legally terminated. Instead, experts recommend that calves be raised together, in small groups and with access to more space, which allows for more natural behavior and socialization.
In light of the broad public support, demonstrated by the over 110,000 signatures, the petition puts strong pressure on Bulgarian legislators to re-evaluate national legislation and bring it into line with European recommendations and modern understandings of humane animal treatment. The demand is clear: to introduce a legislative ban on cages for calves in Bulgaria and to transition to modern and more natural group housing, which will ensure a better quality of life for the animals and meet growing public expectations.