TORONTO—As part of a four-city protest planned for Saturday (Aug. 2), Animal Justice will offer shoppers $20 to experience what life is like for the millions of hens trapped in cages in Canada as part of a nationwide campaign calling on Sobeys to keep its cage-free pledge.
- Sobeys first adopted its cage-free policy nearly ten years ago, pledging to transition to 100% cage-free eggs by 2025. However, in 2021, the company stated that it would need more than four years to reach that target.
- Despite updated cage-free policy statements, most recently issued in July 2024, the company has made no progress and published no plans. Most eggs sold at Sobeys still come from hens confined in small, crowded wire cages, which are being phased out globally.
- Polling shows 80% of Canadians support ending cage use. But without leadership from Sobeys and other big players, and no laws to protect farmed animals, Canada’s transition to cage-free housing has remained stagnant, while progress has moved steadily in other countries.
During the Saturday (Aug. 2) protests, Animal Justice will challenge customers at Sobeys and affiliated stores to spend 5 minutes in a cramped cage to gain a better understanding of the extreme confinement that millions of Canadian hens experience throughout their entire lives. As a thank-you for their courage and empathy, those who “Brave the Cage” will walk away with $20 cash.
Where & When:
- Toronto 12-1 PM ET Sobeys Urban Fresh – 22 Fort York Blvd
- Calgary 12-1 PM MT Sobeys – 8338 18 St SE #100
- Montreal 12-1 PM ET IGA – 150 Rue Ste-Catherine
- Ottawa 12-1 PM ET Farm Boy – 193 Metcalfe St
Contact:
Josh Lynn
Public Relations Manager
[email protected]