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Six years ago, Rite Aid committed to cage-free sourcing by 2025. But in its latest sustainability report, it accelerated its timeline to 100% cage-free at all locations by the end of this year—a direct result of animal advocates’ efforts around the world.
Progress on animal welfare can’t wait. That was proven in Rite Aid’s sustainability report last week, where the company announced that it would be 100% cage-free across its 2,350 retail locations by the end of this year—three years earlier than anticipated. That’s three years that countless gentle, intelligent hens in Rite Aid’s supply chain won’t be suffering in battery cages.
“We commend Rite Aid for expediting its cage-free timeline to reduce the suffering of egg-laying hens in its supply chains,” said Vicky Bond, president of The Humane League. “We’ve seen a trend among socially responsible companies like Rite Aid to stop sourcing eggs from hens kept in cruel battery cages and to speed up the implementation of their cage-free policies.”
A domino effect
Rite Aid’s announcement follows similar commitments from its major competitors, Walgreens and CVS, both of which recently committed to being 100% cage-free by the end of 2022—also three years earlier than planned. As more and more corporate giants recognize that their customers are demanding better animal welfare policies, the pressure on lagging companies continues to build.
Thanks to tireless campaigning by animal advocates, public awareness of battery cages is growing. In its report, Rite Aid emphasized that its choice came in recognition of customer demands: “Responsible sourcing is core to our business and purpose, and we are dedicated to advancing sustainable and ethical practices such as sourcing cage-free eggs for our customers.”
With over $24 billion in revenue in 2021, Rite Aid operates 2,350 retail locations across 17 states—all of which will source 100% cage-free eggs by the end of 2022. Even beyond the incredible significance for hens, this accelerated commitment further emphasizes that major corporations must improve their animal welfare practices now… or risk falling behind their competitors.
It’s time to end battery cages for good
Rite Aid’s accelerated cage-free policy will eliminate the use of battery cages, which are one of the cruelest forms of confinement used by the egg industry. With multiple hens packed into each tiny cage, these cages cause intense psychological distress for animals, preventing them from engaging in natural behaviors or even spreading their wings. The sharp wire flooring causes painful damage to feet and claws, and hens regularly suffer from broken bones, feather loss, and deformities.
Battery cages are unacceptable, and this victory from Rite Aid proves that the shift to more compassionate practices for animals can no longer be delayed. Thanks to advocates like you, it’s happening now—and companies like Dunkin’, that haven’t followed through on their cage-free commitments, are feeling the pressure.
Will you take one minute to let Dunkin’ know that caged hens can’t wait any longer?
