Yesterday, following a partnership with Animal Equality, the global media agency Reuters reports on the increasing pressure Denny’s is receiving Stop using cages for pregnant pigs. The corporation is currently facing a growing nationwide campaign by Animal Equality and an upcoming investor meeting on May 15 to take a shareholder vote on the issue.
A proposal from the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), a shareholder of Denny’s, was submitted before the meeting. The proposal confirms the work of advocates, who have been demanding for more than a year that the corporation end the use of barrels as it promised to do ten years ago. As cited in the Animal Equality campaign and proposal, Denny’s has not made “meaningful progress” despite this public promise.
Now, Denny’s faces a shareholder vote that could finally push the corporation to set goals and timelines to reduce or eliminate the use of bins in its supply chain. Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS)—an “influential proxy advisory firm”—supported HSUS’s proposal. After analyzing its policies, ISS flagged how Denny’s adjusted its language to “significantly weaken transparency” around its commitment on the issue.
We remain optimistic that Animal Equality’s vigorous campaign and shareholder vote will bring progress for the pregnant pigs confined to cages within Denny’s supply chain. We will continue to speak up for animals and consumers concerned about their health until Denny’s does the right thing and stops this practice.
Sharon Núñez
Pressure is mounting by Animal Equality
Denny’s shareholder meeting was scheduled as the Animal Equality campaign against the corporation reached its peak. For more than a year, the organization has rallied supporters across the country to urge the company to eliminate hog housing, something it pledged to do more than a decade ago.
By reneging on its promise, Denny’s is allowing pregnant pigs to live in harsh conditions of confinement in cages barely larger than their bodies. These so-called pregnancy crates are described as if humans were forced to live in airplane seats. Animals cannot turn around, move forward or back more than one step, mingle with other animals, or build nests in preparation for giving birth like in the wild. They endure high stress and trauma in small crates, sometimes hitting their heads against the bars when in distress.
SAVE ANIMALS FROM ABUSE
Pigs, cows and other animals all feel pain and deserve to be protected from abuse.
You can protect these intelligent animals by choosing plant-based alternatives.
Denny’s lack of corporate responsibility sparked a campaign by Animal Equality, which has increased the pressure over the past year. The campaign has continued across the country with 18 nationwide protests, more than 53,000 messages sent by consumers and multiple communication efforts by Animal Equality.
Despite growing calls for the policy and a statement from Denny acknowledging “the importance of moving toward more humane practices,” the company has chosen to remain silent on the issue. This forces the group to lag behind other restaurant chains, such as McDonald’s, Chipotle and Burger King, which have pledged to reduce or eliminate pig housing.
You can stand up to Denny’s
It’s more important than ever to speak up for the pigs in Denny’s supply chain as the company faces a crucial vote. You can protect pregnant pigs from life inside a barn by taking simple actions online today. Let Denny’s know you care about animals and this issue:
