To: McDonald's President and CEO, Steve Easterbrook
We, the undersigned, were surprised and perplexed to discover that McDonald's has not yet committed to stronger animal welfare standards within its supply chains.
Why is this so, Mr. Easterbrook? More than 120 food companies -- including many of your direct competitors such as Burger King, Chipotle, Starbucks, Jack in the Box, Sonic, Denny's, and Subway, have already done so.
McDonald's competitors have signed up to improving animal care standards by 2024 in ways that include eliminating "fast growth" practices for chickens; use of third party welfare auditors; phasing out of gestation crates for pigs and cages for chickens; providing poultry with appropriate living space; proper lighting, enrichment and litter for chickens; and much more.
It's long past time to address this problem, McDonald's. You us realize that we consumers have a choice. We won't be choosing you if you fail to take responsibility for the animals within your supply chain. They're living, breathing creatures who can feel pain and fear -- just like any member of your company can.
We're all the same, and yet you allow your suppliers to treat animals as though they are nothing more than commodities to be abused at will.
We urge you to take action immediately to join the many, many other food companies who've already committed to making beneficial changes in their animal supply chains. There are now so many options out there -- we will choose others until McDonald's does the right thing.
We're watching. We won't stop protesting until you make the necessary changes. Thank you for giving this matter the attention it deserves.
