New OWA report: Are global travel companies fulfilling their cage-free commitments?
Hannah Surowinski
Which global travel companies are fulfilling their commitments to keep egg-laying hens out of cruel wire cages—and which are not? A new report by the Open Wing Alliance offers an enlightening look at corporate accountability in this sector.
Around the world, the cage-free movement is gaining momentum. For countless egg-laying hens facing a lifetime in extreme confinement, this is good news. After all, every cage-free commitment represents a significant shift for the better—as long as the companies pledging to stop putting chickens in cages actually follow through.
So, how does the travel industry measure up? A new report by the Open Wing Alliance (OWA)—a global coalition of more than 90 animal protection organizations across over 60 countries—takes a close look. From global cruise lines to major international hotel chains, OWA evaluates (and ranks) 34 companies based on their cage-free reporting. According to the report, some travel industry entities are emerging as trailblazers by implementing their animal welfare plans and communicating their cage-free progress. Unfortunately, others are falling woefully behind.
Which travel companies support animal welfare?
According to the OWA’s Global Travel Report, some of the top rated companies include Dorchester, Starhotels, and JetBlue. These corporations have worked to remove cruelty from their supply chains and keep egg-laying hens out of cages. Other companies detailed in the report are making strides by publicly reporting their progress toward a cage-free future, keeping consumers and stakeholders informed.
Which travel companies are not following through for chickens?
Of the companies outlined in the OWA report, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels, Langham Hospitality Group, and Norwegian Cruise Line fall to the bottom of the list. According to the OWA, these companies have yet to publicly disclose their cage-free progress—in spite of countless requests from the public.
Why does corporate accountability matter?
Making a promise to implement animal welfare initiatives means very little when there’s no follow through. When a company pledges to stop putting egg-laying hens in tiny wire cages but will not share information about their plans or progress, hens continue to suffer. And consumers and stakeholders are left in the dark.
Conscious consumers care about animal welfare, and the majority of people around the world do not want egg-laying hens to suffer. They also deserve to know the truth about where their hotel or cruise line’s egg products come from. It’s time for those in the travel industry to stop making empty welfare promises and demonstrate meaningful change.
Why focus on the travel industry?
According to the OWA, many companies—from retail to cruise lines to restaurants—are doing the right thing and publicly reporting their global cage-free progress. But when others don’t, consumers have a right to know.
"With more and more of the global population seeking out sustainable and ethical ways of traveling, high-performing companies within the sector have an opportunity—and a responsibility—to be transparent with clients and customers about their social and environmental impacts, as well as about the welfare of the animals in their supply chains." —OWA Global Travel Report
Conscious consumers care about animal welfare—whether shopping in a supermarket, looking for ethical clothing lines, or booking travel. It would benefit hospitality companies to uphold their cage-free promises by reporting meaningful progress, and sharing that progress with customers and stakeholders alike.
How does a cage-free commitment help hens?
More than 6 billion egg-laying hens worldwide still live in tiny, restrictive cages today. For them, a life of extreme confinement means a life devoid of typical chicken behaviors, and many do not even have enough room to stretch their wings. Roughly 215 million hens in the US alone live in cruel wire battery cages about the size of a filing cabinet drawer. Many suffer injuries like broken bones or torn feathers, and live in constant fear and stress.
But changemakers like you can make a difference. The OWA is partnering with animal advocates around the globe to show the industry animal welfare matters. Together, we can send a powerful message that it’s time for companies to stop profiting off animal abuse, now.
How can I help?
While some global travel companies are making significant progress for animals, others have failed to report any meaningful progress toward their cage-free commitments. You and I can work together to demand accountability, and let global travel companies know that the future is cage-free—and people are paying attention.
Ready to make a difference? Join us to help end the caging of hens.
