Dear Mr. Jelinek,
I’m writing on behalf of my friends at Farm Sanctuary and animal protection supporters across the country to ask that you stop selling eggs from hens confined in tiny cages. I join Ryan Gosling, Bill Maher, and countless others in urging Costco to sell exclusively cage-free eggs.
Nearly a decade ago, Costco indicated that its next step on this issue would be creating a timeline for getting those cages out of your egg supply, and yet today, you appear to have made no progress at all—even as you have set timelines for getting pigs and calves out of cages.
As you know, these birds producing eggs for your shelves are crammed five or more into cages that are not large enough for even one hen to spread her wings.
In these cruel cages, the animals’ muscles and bones atrophy from years of immobilization. That’s why the cages are illegal in most of Europe, and why California banned the cages by an overwhelming vote years ago.
In short, cramming hens into cages for their entire lives constitutes cruelty to animals, and animals deserve better. As you know, many major corporations, from Burger King to Unilever, are getting rid of cages—and Whole Foods hasn’t sold eggs from caged hens in years.
I admire Costco’s many positive social commitments. You’ve shown great courage and integrity on a range of issues. Won’t you please extend that sensibility—and basic decency—to chickens?
Please, will you set a reasonable timeframe to stop selling eggs from caged hens?
Thank you very much for your time and thoughtful consideration. I look forward to your response. Sincerely,
Brad Pitt
