Choose Cage-Free campaign collects 2,000 signatures!
More than 2,000 students and staff at schools in Ontario have signed petitions demanding cage-free eggs.
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WSPA Canada’s Choose Cage-Free campaign has taken universities and colleges by storm this fall. Students are passionately running campaigns for cage-free eggs at three schools: York University, Humber College, and Fanshawe College.
WSPA’s Choose Cage-Free campaign encourages schools to buy eggs from cage-free hens as opposed to hens confined in battery cages. Sixteen universities and colleges in Canada have reduced or completely eliminated their use of eggs from caged hens by switching to cage-free eggs. Students at York, Humber, and Fanshawe are working hard to ensure that their schools soon join the growing list of cage-free supporters.
The Choose Cage-Free campaign has broad support because the eggs are better not only for animals but also for human health and the environment. More than 2,000 students and staff at York, Humber, and Fanshawe have signed petitions, unequivocally expressing support for the cage-free option.
Law student Marie Sydney, co-chair of the Osgoode Animal Law Society at York, describes herself as a “nature and animal lover.” Growing up, she observed that the chickens on her grandparents’ farm enjoyed walking around, as all animals do. She wants chickens to have at least enough space to move and stretch their wings. “I believe that all beings deserve humane treatment and enjoyment of life,” Marie explained. “I seek to further animal welfare - in every possible way.”
Autumn Ladouceur, Humber College’s Choose Cage-Free campaign leader, wants her school to switch to cage-free eggs because, “In battery cage production, each cage holds five to seven chickens. They each have just about as much room as the size of their bodies and are unable to move around at all.”
The Food Service Committee at Fanshawe College took the step of officially discussing cage-free eggs at a meeting last week. The President of the Fanshawe Student Union, Joe Scalia, is further evaluating interest in cage-free eggs.
Eva Evans at Fanshawe College has been garnering support for the more humane and sustainable eggs. The first-year student of the Human Services Foundation program said, “I love animals and believe they deserve to be treated with respect.”
To get involved with the Choose Cage-Free campaign, please e-mail cagefree@wspa.ca.
