Crofton House School becomes first school in Canada to go cage-free
Date: May 24, 2007
Vancouver Humane Society celebrates the latest addition to the growing cage-free list
The Vancouver Humane Society (VHS) is crowing over Crofton House School’s announcement today that it has removed eggs from caged hens from school food services. Crofton House becomes the first school in Canada, independent or otherwise, to implement a cage-free egg policy.
"Crofton House's decision is an important advance in the growing movement away from battery-cage confinement of egg-laying hens," said Bruce Passmore, Farm Animal Welfare Project Coordinator for the VHS. "They are sending a message to both consumers and the industry that there are more humane alternatives. They made a clear, more compassionate choice, organic free-range eggs, and we congratulate them ."
The announcement comes just after Langara College announced it had removed eggs from caged hens from the campus cafeteria, and a few days before the City of Richmond considers a similar policy at Monday night’s council meeting (May 28).
Approximately 98 percent of Canada’s 26 million egg-laying hens are raised in tiny wire battery-cages. The hens are unable to move freely or flap their wings, causing severe chafing and foot and other injuries. Alternatives to cages include certified organic, free-range, free-run and SPCA Certified.
The Crofton House initiative was driven by students and is part of a wider project of making more compassionate decisions, inclusive of animal, people and the environment. The school has a history of student volunteerism and involvement in local humanitarian work.
More on eggs and the cage-free movement at www.chickenout.ca.
