Target: Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, Canada
Goal: Require cage-free housing for hens in Canada to align with global animal welfare standards.
Canada’s egg industry holds only 20% of hens in cage-free environments, a stark divergence from international benchmarks such as 45% in the U.S., 62% in Australia, and 82% in the European Union. The continued use of battery cages for hens not only reflects a deeply concerning disregard for animal welfare but also encapsulates the serious governance and transparency void present in the country’s food system. This unacceptable lag in progress points to a pressing need for transformational change in agricultural policy, as the current standards fail to protect the well-being of these animals.
The dire conditions faced by caged hens—where they are often confined to cramped quarters that prevent natural behaviors—directly contradicts the growing public sentiment against such practices. Testimonials from former farm workers highlight that caged hens are unacceptable and underscore the urgency for reform. The absence of federal regulations governing farm animal welfare has allowed these inhumane practices to persist, further alienating consumers and jeopardizing the industry’s future.
It is imperative that Canada embraces higher standards for animal welfare by legislating mandatory cage-free practices for hens. This move is essential not just for animal rights but also for restoring consumer trust and preventing far more costly regulations down the road. The time for change is now; cage-free hens must be required by law across Canada without exception.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Minister MacDonald,
A recent report by Mercy For Animals reveals an alarming shortfall in Canada’s commitment to cage-free housing for hens, currently standing at a mere 20%. This position places Canada far behind global standards, with countries such as the U.S., Australia, and the EU showing proactive steps toward humane treatment of farm animals. The ongoing use of battery cages is not just an issue of animal welfare; it highlights a broader problem of governance and accountability within our food system.
The realities faced by countless hens trapped in cramped cages are anything but humane, contrasting sharply with the growing consensus that such treatment is unacceptable. As noted by industry voices, there is a united call to action; reform is not just desirable, but essential for the integrity of the agricultural sector. Without adjustments to our current standards, the industry runs the risk of alienating informed consumers and facing more stringent regulations that will come at a higher cost.
It is necessary that the government implements concrete laws to mandate cage-free housing for hens, bringing Canada in line with global standards. The time for half-measures has passed; we urge you to take decisive action to establish a cage-free future that aligns with the ethical expectations of modern society.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
