Target: Pierra St-Laurent, President and CEO of Sobeys
Goal: End the cruel practice of caging hens by immediately implementing a ban on all cages in Sobeys’ supply chain.
Millions of hens are confined in cages that are smaller than a legal-size sheet of paper, enduring lives of extreme suffering and deprivation. Despite Sobeys’ commitment in 2016 to eliminate these cages by 2025, the grocery chain has retracted its deadline and seemingly failed to provide any transparency about fulfilling their pledge. Shockingly, Sobeys has reportedly remained at 0% cage-free progress for three consecutive years, leaving over 80% of hens in their supply chain still trapped in cages.
The inhumane practice of cage confinement denies hens essential freedoms—such as running, exploring, and even spreading their wings. This treatment has been recognized as one of the most brutal practices in factory farming. Public sentiment is overwhelmingly against such cruelty, and Canadians expect retailers to uphold humane standards in their supply chains. It is imperative that Sobeys, as a prominent brand, aligns its operations with the values of compassion and integrity that Canadians cherish.
The time for change is now. Sobeys must demonstrate accountability by following through on its promise to eliminate cages. With new leadership in place, this is an opportunity for Sobeys to become a leader in animal welfare in the grocery industry.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. St-Laurent,
As the newly appointed CEO of Sobeys, you are in a crucial position to address the longstanding and deeply troubling issue of cage confinement for hens in your supply chain. Millions of hens remain trapped in cages, enduring severe confinement and suffering. Your company publicly pledged to eliminate cages by 2025, yet has retracted this promise and failed to share any updates on progress towards this goal.
With over 80% of hens in your supply chain still caged and Sobeys reportedly stagnating at 0% cage-free progress for three years, it is essential to realize that this practice is widely condemned by the public. Canadians overwhelmingly oppose treating these sensitive birds cruelly, as they deserve a life of dignity free from extreme confinement. This situation not only betrays consumer trust but also tarnishes Sobeys’ reputation among ethically-minded shoppers.
The time to act is now. A commitment to ban cages is necessary to align Sobeys with true Canadian values and animal welfare standards. The public demand for decisive action is strong, and it is up to you to lead Sobeys toward a compassionate future. Implement an immediate ban on cages in your supply chain and take meaningful steps to uphold your promise to consumers.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
