SAFE is applauding Starbucks New Zealand, who has committed to a policy to go 100% cage-free by 2020.
In 2018, the Open Wing Alliance, a coalition of over 58 major international animal protection organisations (of which SAFE is a member) successfully secured Starbucks’ commitment to go cage-free by 2020 across all owner-operated stores in the US and Europe, and all stores in Japan and China.
This, however, did not include their licensed stores in other territories like New Zealand and Australia. But Tahua Capital, the licensee for Starbucks stores in New Zealand, has just produced a policy this week that would phase out cage eggs by 2020.
SAFE Head of Campaigns Marianne Macdonald says it’s another victory for hens and a clear sign of the growing shift away from cage egg cruelty in New Zealand.
“Hens kept in cages for their eggs are forced to live in horrible, cramped conditions with each bird having little more living space than the size of an A4 sheet of paper. They can barely even open their wings. It’s an appalling way to treat any animal,” says Ms Macdonald.
“The writing is on the wall for cage eggs. Kiwis don’t want cruelty on their hands and in response, countless businesses are committing to 100% cage-free policies in New Zealand. Starbucks had previously given mixed messages on this important animal welfare issue, so it’s very positive to see the local licensee, Tahua Capital, take action.”
Globally just under half of all Starbucks stores are licensed stores, who haven’t adopted the cage-free pledge. In response to this, the Open Wing Alliance are launching a worldwide campaign today to demand Starbucks go 100% cage-free across their entire business.
“We have no doubt that the caging of hens will be bought to an end worldwide. However, we can’t end cage egg cruelty without the help of caring Kiwis. We’re calling on everyone to sign the Open Wing Alliance’s petition and demand Starbucks globally commits to a 100% cage-free policy across all its owner-operated and licensed stores.”
