Starbucks, the largest coffeehouse chain in the world, announced
last week that it is making significant updates to its animal welfare
standards.
As part of the new plan, gestation crates for mother pigs
and cages for egg-laying hens will be phased out. Additionally, Starbucks will require
its suppliers to eliminate artificial growth hormones and other rapid-growth practices
for poultry.
Starbucks is also considering dairy cows and promises to
address cruel practices such as tail docking and dehorning.
In a revised animal welfare statement on its website,
Starbucks declares: “Our priority is to ensure we offer food made with
ingredients such as cage-free eggs, gestation crate-free pork and poultry
processed through more humane systems.
While we look forward to the day that Starbucks gives up
animal products altogether, this new policy change is certainly progress.
And remember, Starbucks currently offers a variety of vegan
options from soy and coconut milks to oatmeal, juices, and fruit.
For more information on how you can help farmed animals,
visit ChooseVeg.com and learn about
switching to a cruelty-free vegan diet.