On Thursday, McDonald’s announced its commitment
to purchasing and serving only cage-free eggs in Latin America by 2025. The
announcement follows discussions with Mercy For Animals and other farmed animal
protection organizations.
McDonald’s, the world’s second-largest quick-serve
restaurant chain, will extend its current cage-free egg policy to Brazil,
Mexico, and the rest of Latin America. Last year, the company committed to
sourcing only cage-free eggs for its U.S. operations by 2025. McDonald’s
decision will spare millions of egg-laying hens from a lifetime of immense
suffering.
Stuffed into cages so
small the birds can’t walk, fully spread their wings, or engage in other
natural behaviors, these intelligent, sensitive animals are subjected to
unspeakable cruelty and neglect. Many birds become trapped and painfully
mangled in cage wire or under feed trays and often suffer and die.
The fast-food giant joins Burger King, which announced a
cage-free commitment for Latin America just a week ago. While cage-free doesn’t mean cruelty-free, McDonald’s
cage-free egg commitment will reduce the suffering of countless birds and
inspire other companies to implement similar policies.
And remember, the
best way to help hens is to avoid eating eggs altogether. Try these 10 delicious egg
recipes without the eggs.