Ask Loblaw to be a hero for animals!
A decade ago, the largest retailer in Canada made significant commitments on farmed animal welfare. Now, we're counting on them to make good on their promises to eliminate one of the most inhumane practices in their supply chains.
Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada's largest grocery retailer, has walked back its commitment to go 100% cage-free by 2025. Instead, the company now plans to introduce a private label line of "battery cage-free" eggs by 2030—while continuing to sell eggs from other brands that come from hens confined in traditional battery cages, which are so small that the animals can't fully spread their wings. Even within this new private label, Loblaw will allow the use of "enriched" cages, which still keep hens in cramped, restrictive conditions with little room to move or engage in natural behaviours.
This shift is a missed opportunity. As a market leader, Loblaw has the power to drive real progress for millions of hens across Canada. True cage-free systems—like aviaries and barns—offer hens more freedom to move, perch, dust bathe and lay eggs in nests. Enriched cages, which offer a small improvement over battery cages, still fall short of these welfare standards.
Consumers overwhelmingly support higher welfare practices, and many global retailers are already making the full transition to cage-free. Loblaw can still be a champion for animal welfare by recommitting to a future without cages.
Let's remind Loblaw of the leadership role it can play. Urge the company to eliminate cages entirely—not just battery cages—and stick to a truly cage-free future.
Take Action!
It's time for Loblaw to be a hero for animals.
Dear Galen Weston and Per Bank,
I am writing to you, as the leaders of Loblaw Companies Limited, about your animal welfare policy.
Animal welfare is deeply important to me. When I shop, I trust that the businesses I support have taken all steps possible to limit needless animal suffering. This is especially important for farmed animals, given the absence of laws that govern how animals can be treated on farms in Canada.
While I applauded Loblaw's commitments to go cage-free over a decade ago, I am deeply concerned that your company has not fulfilled its promises to spare animals from cruel cages by this year. I am urging Loblaw to leverage its considerable position as an influential egg buyer and support a cage-free future for hens.
I hope that you will make good on your promises from years ago and uphold your commitments to go 100% cage-free. Millions of animals are counting on you.
Thank you.
