Target: Vince Bruni-Bossio, President of the University of Saskatchewan
Goal: Stop the construction of caged housing for hens in the new poultry research facility and commit to 100 percent cage-free housing.
The University of Saskatchewan (USask) is planning a new $15.6-million poultry research facility that will house approximately 6,000 hens, including those kept in “enriched” cages. Despite their name, these cages are widely criticized for their cruelty, as each hen is given a space no larger than a legal-size sheet of paper, severely restricting her movement and preventing her from performing natural behaviors such as foraging and dustbathing. Rather than advancing animal welfare, this facility risks perpetuating outdated and inhumane farming practices for decades to come.
Despite the clear trend toward cage-free housing, and with overwhelming public support for such a shift—72 percent of Canadians want a national ban on caged housing—USask is investing millions into an infrastructure that does not align with current animal welfare standards or consumer expectations. The situation is compounded by the $6.2 million in federal funding from the Canada Foundation for Innovation (CFI), which raises ethical concerns about taxpayer money being used to support cruel confinement practices. Animal Justice has urged USask to reconsider these plans in light of the growing global momentum against caged systems.
The call for a cage-free future in agricultural research is not just a matter of ethics; it reflects the reality of a changing market and consumer preference. Without reform, USask risks failing to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed for their future careers in an industry that is rapidly moving away from cages. This petition demands that USask immediately remove cages from its plans for the new facility and direct public research funding toward solutions that reflect a commitment to animal welfare and meet the evolving standards of the agricultural sector.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Vince Bruni-Bossio,
The University of Saskatchewan is on the verge of implementing a modernization project for poultry research that includes the use of cages, specifically “enriched” cages that have been widely criticized for their cruelty. The intended housing arrangement confines each hen to a space no larger than a legal-size sheet of paper, limiting their movement and preventing key natural behaviors integral to their well-being. The inclusion of such outdated systems in a new facility undermines the potential for developing more humane and progressive agricultural practices.
Evidence from around the globe indicates a significant shift away from caged housing, with the European Union, the United Kingdom, and various U.S. states leading the way in bans against such practices. Public opinion in Canada is overwhelmingly in favor of cage-free systems, yet USask’s current plans could thrust Canada into a position that lags behind these international standards. The involvement of public funding, specifically the $6.2 million from the Canada Foundation for Innovation, adds a level of accountability to ensure that taxpayer dollars are not supporting the continuation of cruel practices.
It is imperative that USask takes a stand for animal welfare and responds to the needs and expectations of a modern agricultural landscape. The demand from the public and the agricultural market is clear: transition to cage-free housing systems. Therefore, we urge you to remove cages from the facility’s plans and redirect public research funds toward creating a truly innovative, humane, and sustainable poultry research facility that prepares students and researchers for the future of agriculture.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
