Mumbai, India – In a groundbreaking move towards animal welfare, several companies in the hospitality sector have recently made the switch to sourcing cage-free eggs. This shift marks a significant milestone in addressing the severe cruelties inflicted on caged hens at egg farms across the country.
Animal Equality, an animal protection organization based in Pune, has been at the forefront of raising awareness about the inhumane conditions faced by hens in egg farms. Executive Director, Amruta Ubale, emphasized the importance of ending the practice of confining animals in cages, citing violations of animal welfare laws.
Leading establishments such as Four Seasons, Inter Continental, St. Regis, Radisson, IBIS, Novotel, and Grand Mercure have already embraced cage-free egg sourcing, setting a positive example for others in the industry. Additionally, several small and medium egg producers are also making the transition to cage-free housing systems, further supporting this movement.
Ubale praised this initiative as a significant step for India to join the global trend towards more ethical animal treatment. The growing consumer demand for improved animal welfare standards has been a driving force behind companies implementing animal protection policies. These policies not only alleviate the suffering of animals but also align with companies’ sustainability and corporate social responsibility goals.
The prevalence of factory farming in India has raised concerns about its impact on animal welfare and the environment. Intensive animal production contributes to pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and deforestation, in addition to posing risks to consumers. Transitioning to cage-free egg production represents a positive shift towards more sustainable and humane practices in the industry.
While cage-free housing does not eliminate all forms of cruelty, it signifies a crucial step towards improving conditions for animals in factory farms. This move towards ethical sourcing reflects a growing awareness and commitment to prioritizing animal welfare in the hospitality sector and beyond.
