The bold move has been applauded by animal rights’ groups including Mercy for Animals which helped SIR Corp – that runs a portfolio of popular restaurants across Canada, including Jack Astor’s and Canyon Creek – develop the policy.
Commenting on one of Canada’s most progressive animal welfare policies of recent years, Krista Hiddema, managing director of Mercy for Animals in Canada, said: “We commend SIR Corp for setting a precedent for all other restaurants and retailers.
“The company has truly raised the bar for the industry and set an example, both nationally and globally. This important move will reduce the suffering of countless hens each year. With this announcement by SIR Corp, it’s never been clearer that the days are numbered for egg factory farmers who pack birds in cages so small they can’t walk, spread their wings, or engage in other natural behaviours.
“It’s high time Sobeys, Metro, and Loblaws stopped dragging their feet and acknowledged that cramming birds into cages barely larger than their bodies is animal abuse that has no place in a civilised society. Any food company that has not yet adopted a cage-free egg policy is simply out of step with consumer expectations and business trends.”
SIR Corps’ no-cage commitment follows moves by Canada’s fast-food chain Tim Hortons to go cage-free in its Canadian, US and Mexican egg supply chains by 2025. This decision also came about after consultation with Mercy for Animals.