Target: Marc-André Bally, Senior Vice President, Western Canada Region; Frank Chislette, Senior Vice President, Eastern Canada Region
Goal: Urge Costco Canada to fulfill its commitment to transition to 100% cage-free housing for hens and end the reliance on enriched cages.
Nearly ten years ago, major retailers, including Costco Canada, promised consumers they would transition to 100% cage-free housing for hens by the end of 2025. However, reports indicate these retailers continue to source eggs from producers using “enriched” battery cages, which fall significantly short of delivering the welfare improvements that were promised. This choice allows these companies to maintain practices that confine hens to minimal space, denying them the ability to engage in natural behaviors, while misleading the public about the welfare of the animals involved.
The conditions under which these hens are reportedly kept are alarmingly cramped and restrictive. In conventional cages, each bird is allotted only 67–75 square inches of space—comparable to the size of a toaster. Even in enriched cages, where hens receive marginally more space (116 square inches), the ability to live a quality life is still severely compromised. Such environments prevent hens from engaging in basic behaviors essential to their well-being, such as stretching, foraging, and dustbathing. While 92% of global cage-free commitments have been achieved, Canada’s retailers are stalling, with companies like Costco Canada lagging far behind its U.S. counterpart, which boasts a 97.1% cage-free rate.
The urgency of this issue cannot be overstated; it’s essential for retailers to take definitive action to achieve their original promises concerning animal welfare. To truly honor consumer expectations for humane treatment of hens and restore trust, Costco Canada must prioritize the transition to cage-free systems and publish clear, time-bound plans to end the use of enriched cages. The time for action is now, as the welfare of millions of hens hangs in the balance.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Senior Vice Presidents Bally and Chislette,
The recent findings from Mercy For Animals seemingly reveal a troubling disregard for animal welfare commitments that Costco Canada has made regarding the treatment of laying hens. Nearly a decade ago, Costco and many other Canadian grocery retailers promised consumers they would transition to 100% cage-free housing for hens by the end of 2025. Yet, instead of following through on these promises, it appears that Costco has chosen to continue sourcing from producers who rely on “enriched” battery cages, perpetuating a cycle of suffering and confinement for millions of hens.
The reality is that hens in these conditions are still forced to live in cramped spaces that deny them the ability to express simple natural behaviors. The difference between conventional and enriched cages is minimal, and the commitment to cage-free housing is not just a matter of brand integrity; it is about the fundamental welfare of these living beings. Recent survey results show that 72% of Canadians support cage-free standards, making it clear that consumers expect and deserve better from their retailers.
It is vital that Costco Canada takes decisive action to uphold its promise and transition to 100% cage-free housing for hens. By doing so, not only will Costco help to alleviate the suffering of millions of hens currently trapped in confinement, but it will also restore consumer trust and align with the global shift towards more humane treatment of farm animals. The time for change is now—fulfill the commitment to cage-free housing and take a stand against animal confinement practices that fall short of ethical standards.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
