Today the Retail
Council of Canada announced its commitment to improving animal welfare by
pledging that 100 percent of eggs sold in its member stores will be cage-free
by 2025. The policy affects all Retail Council of Canada grocery members,
including Loblaw, Metro, Sobeys, and Walmart. The move, which will spare more
than 15 million hens annually from suffering in tiny wire cages, has been
applauded by the international animal protection organization Mercy For
Animals, which encouraged the Retail Council of Canada to develop this
important policy.
Council of Canada announced its commitment to improving animal welfare by
pledging that 100 percent of eggs sold in its member stores will be cage-free
by 2025. The policy affects all Retail Council of Canada grocery members,
including Loblaw, Metro, Sobeys, and Walmart. The move, which will spare more
than 15 million hens annually from suffering in tiny wire cages, has been
applauded by the international animal protection organization Mercy For
Animals, which encouraged the Retail Council of Canada to develop this
important policy.
The Retail Council of Canada’s statement is the latest in a
wave of cage-free egg commitments by North American grocers, including Kroger,
Albertsons, Safeway, Food Lion, Giant, Stop & Shop, Costco, Target, CVS, Trader Joe’s, and
BJ’s Wholesale Club. Additionally, nearly 100 other retailers,
restaurants, foodservice companies, and food manufacturers have pledged to go
cage-free in the last year.
wave of cage-free egg commitments by North American grocers, including Kroger,
Albertsons, Safeway, Food Lion, Giant, Stop & Shop, Costco, Target, CVS, Trader Joe’s, and
BJ’s Wholesale Club. Additionally, nearly 100 other retailers,
restaurants, foodservice companies, and food manufacturers have pledged to go
cage-free in the last year.
Caged egg production is inherently cruel and widely
considered one of the most egregious forms of animal abuse. Hens are stuffed
into wire cages so small the birds can’t walk, fully spread their wings, or
engage in other natural behaviors for nearly their entire lives. Many birds
become trapped and painfully mangled in cage wire or under feed trays and often
suffer and die. Dead hens are left to rot alongside birds still laying eggs for
human consumption. Battery cages are so patently cruel they have been banned in
Alberta, California, Michigan, and the entire European Union.
considered one of the most egregious forms of animal abuse. Hens are stuffed
into wire cages so small the birds can’t walk, fully spread their wings, or
engage in other natural behaviors for nearly their entire lives. Many birds
become trapped and painfully mangled in cage wire or under feed trays and often
suffer and die. Dead hens are left to rot alongside birds still laying eggs for
human consumption. Battery cages are so patently cruel they have been banned in
Alberta, California, Michigan, and the entire European Union.
This is a watershed moment for farmed animals and caring
consumers in Canada. These leading grocers have taken a significant and
commendable step forward in improving the lives of millions of egg-laying hens.
consumers in Canada. These leading grocers have taken a significant and
commendable step forward in improving the lives of millions of egg-laying hens.
With these grocers’ historic announcement, it’s never been
clearer that the days are numbered for companies that sell eggs from hens
packed into cages so small the birds can’t walk or even fully spread their
wings. This announcement represents an industry tipping point. Any food company
that has not yet adopted a cage-free egg policy is simply out of step with
consumer expectations and business trends.
clearer that the days are numbered for companies that sell eggs from hens
packed into cages so small the birds can’t walk or even fully spread their
wings. This announcement represents an industry tipping point. Any food company
that has not yet adopted a cage-free egg policy is simply out of step with
consumer expectations and business trends.
And remember, the best way to help birds and other farmed animals is simply to leave meat, dairy, and eggs off your plate. Visit ChooseVeg.com
for free recipes and tips.
for free recipes and tips.
