Today, Animal Equality joined Open Wing Alliance (OWA) in a global campaign against prominent hotel brands that have failed to meet their global commitment to eliminate hen cages.
Years ago, Hilton Worldwide, Louvre Hotel Group and Meliá Hotels International were applauded for their commitment to eliminating hen cages from their global supply chains. Since then, they have not reported meaningful progress on those commitments.
Meanwhile, Hilton Worldwide also did not report progress in implementing its commitment to eliminate mother pig cages in its supply chain. This is despite at least 40% of mother pigs in the United States being housed in group pens throughout their gestation period.
Promising to reduce animal cruelty in your supply chain is one thing, but delivering on those promises is another. While mother pigs and hens are kept in extremely strict confinement conditions, Hilton has not been transparent about its progress in eliminating cages in its supply chain. It’s time consumers know the truth about Hilton.
Dane Charbeneau, Director of the Campaign for Animal Equality
The Heartless Hospitality campaign highlights the difference between corporate commitment, transparency and actual progress. The campaign comes after a new report on animal welfare was released to the public, Fairs and Hens: Global Travel Editionwhich examines the ethical flaws in the tourism industry.
This report exposed companies that, despite pledging to eliminate cages from their supply chains, refused to fully disclose progress on their commitments.
Consensus is growing against cages
Many of the world’s leading hotel companies have transitioned away from cages in their supply chains. These companies include JetBlue, Dorchester Collection, Motel One and Starhotels.
Consumer demand for cage-free eggs is growing…Hotel brands around the world are taking the necessary steps to eliminate outdated, cruel cages from their supply chains.
Caitlin Campbell, Open Wing Coalition Global Campaigns Coordinator
Many countries have addressed cage cruelty by banning them altogether, such as Austria, Luxembourg and Switzerland, and many more have enacted laws that will come into effect in the coming years.
In the United States, 11 states have banned the use of battery cages for hens, including Arizona, California, Colorado, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah and Washington. Eleven states have also banned gestation crates for mother pigs.
More than 2,500 of the world’s largest corporations have committed to eliminating cages from their supply chains, and nearly 1,200 of them have completed the transition away from cages.
Extreme confinement: the secret of the egg industry
More than four billion hens exist in tiny, cramped cages that prevent them from stretching their wings. The confinement system promotes stress, reproductive disease and poor bone health in hens used for egg production.
Animal Equality’s global surveys have consistently proven this the cruelty of battery cages. Investigative footage has shown live hens trampling their lifeless companions, their bodies often decomposing at the bottom of the cage.
Join the campaign against animal cruelty
Are you ready to stand up against the cruelty of the egg industry? Here are some actions you can take:
Visit our Hilton Action Center: Use our pre-written email template to write a message to Hilton leadership. You can also write reviews of your local Hilton locations, call Hilton customer service, or comment on their social media.
Choose plant-based meals: The surest way to combat the cruelty of the egg industry is to choose a meal that is healthy, sustainable and compassionate. Download your free copy of the Love Veg cookbook to discover egg-free, plant-based recipes.
NURTURE LOVE
As an empathetic mother, the hen will protect her chicks at all costs.
Support motherly love by replacing eggs in your meals with plant-based alternatives.
