Hamline University has joined a growing movement against one of factory farming's worst abuses. The Humane Society of the United States applauded the prestigious Saint Paul-based school today for enacting a cage-free egg policy.
After working with student members of the Minneapolis-based non-profit animal protection organization Compassionate Action for Animals (CAA), Hamline implemented a cage-free egg policy for all of the liquid eggs it uses for its students—about 2,805 pounds each academic year.
"The Humane Society of the United States applauds Hamline for moving away from using eggs from caged hens, and we encourage other schools to follow its example," comments Paul Shapiro, senior director of The HSUS' factory farming campaign. "Confining hens inside tiny cages where they can't even spread their wings is cruel and inhumane."
"The Hamline community cares deeply about social responsibility, which is why we're proud of our dining services' decision to remove our support to the cruel practice of confining hens in battery cages," adds Amy O'Malley, Hamline senior and CAA member.
Hamline joins more than 160 schools, including University of Minnesota, Macalester College, Northwestern College, Saint Cloud State University and Saint Olaf College, in using cage-free eggs in their cafeterias. The Wedge co-op, Cue at the Guthrie Theater, and dozens of other Minnesota establishments also refuse to use eggs from caged hens.
Facts
- U.S. factory farms confine about 280 million hens in barren battery cages that are so small, the birds can't even spread their wings. Each bird has less space than a single sheet of paper on which to live. The European Union has banned barren battery cages, effective 2012.
- Cage-free hens generally have 250-300 percent more space per bird and are able to engage in more of their natural behaviors than are caged hens. While cage free hens may not be able to go outside, they are able to walk, spread their wings, and lay their eggs in nests—all behaviors permanently denied to hens confined in battery cages.
- There is a snowballing national movement against battery cages. Wolfgang Puck is ending his use of cage eggs. Burger King is beginning to use cage-free eggs. Several grocery chains, including Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Natural Marketplace, have stopped selling cage eggs. And seven cities have unanimously passed bills condemning battery cages.
Timeline
- April 2007—Food service provider Chartwells announces that it is phasing in the exclusive use of cage-free shell eggs for 45 of the schools it serves.
- March 2007—Burger King announces that it has started phasing in the use of cage-free eggs.
- March 2007—Wolfgang Puck announces the implementation of a wide-ranging program to improve animal welfare in his supply chain, including not using battery cage eggs.
- September 2006—Ben & Jerry's announces that it will phase out the use of eggs from caged hens in all its ice creams.
- October 2005—Bon Appétit Management Company announces that it is phasing out the use of eggs from caged hens in all of its 400 cafés.
- May 2005—Whole Foods Market and Wild Oats Natural Marketplace announce that they have ended sales of eggs from caged hens.
- November 2003—The Better Business Bureau rules that it is misleading to label eggs from battery-caged hens as "Animal Care Certified."
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The Humane Society of the United States is the nation's largest animal protection organization—backed by 10 million Americans, or one of every 30. For more than a half-century, The HSUS has been fighting for the protection of all animals through advocacy, education, and hands-on programs. Celebrating animals and confronting cruelty—on the web at www.humanesociety.org.
