Target: Michael Medline, CEO of Sobeys
Goal: Demand appropriate accountability for the dangerous actions surrounding the protest and the continued failure to honor cage-free commitments.
Animal Justice recently organized a national demonstration across Canada, with advocates gathering peacefully to protest Sobeys’ failure to uphold its decade-long promise to eliminate cages from its egg supply chain. This peaceful demonstration turned into a very alarming safety crisis when a red pick-up truck allegedly veered onto the curb outside Sobeys Forest Lawn in Calgary. The vehicle reportedly came dangerously close to hitting several advocates, which could have resulted in serious injury or fatality. Such a reckless act raises grave concerns about the safety of community members who are advocating for animal rights and demands accountability from Sobeys.
Despite the alarming incident, Sobeys executives reportedly declined an urgent request for a safety meeting following the event. The Head of Corporate Sustainability, Joshua Goodman, asked for more information but apparently failed to follow through with a meeting. Moreover, the company’s CEO, Pierre St-Laurent, and other leadership members reportedly did not respond to inquiries from Animal Justice. This seeming lack of communication and accountability reflects a troubling choice by Sobeys to prioritize corporate profits over the safety of peaceful demonstrators and the ethical treatment of animals.
It is imperative that Sobeys leadership understands the seriousness of both the community safety threat encountered during the protest and the ongoing issue of animal cruelty in its supply chain. Ignoring these matters not only endangers lives but also erodes trust with consumers who demand ethical practices. Action must be taken immediately.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear CEO Medline,
The recent protest outside your Forest Lawn location in Calgary, intended to highlight your company’s failure to fulfill its long-standing promise regarding cage-free eggs, was marred by a shocking incident. A red pick-up truck allegedly drove onto the curb and nearly struck peaceful demonstrators. This dangerous action, which could have led to severe injuries or fatalities, is unacceptable in any context and particularly concerning when it occurs in front of a company committed to ethical practices.
Adding to this distressful situation is Sobeys’ reported refusal to engage in meaningful dialogue with Animal Justice regarding the first-hand experience of safety threats faced by advocates. As the head of a major grocery chain, it is crucial to prioritize the safety of community members and make transparent efforts to address such serious incidents. Ignoring these pressing concerns reflects poorly on your leadership and the values that should guide your organization.
We urge you to take immediate action by addressing the safety incident and demonstrating a commitment to fulfilling your corporate responsibility regarding animal welfare. Accountability is necessary to rebuild trust and protect public safety, so please meet with Animal Justice to confront these issues decisively.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
