After announcing modest goals for its animal welfare programs earlier this spring, Tim Hortons has committed to buying pork from farms with open housing and eggs from farms with enriched hen housing systems.
The fast food company announced today it wants its suppliers to eliminate sow gestation stalls and develop “clear plans and timelines by the end of the year” to make it happen.
“We’re calling for an end to gestation stalls for sows and to significantly increase the use of alternative housing systems for hens. We believe there are better, more humane and sustainable housing systems that can improve the quality of animals’ lives,” said Paul House, Tim Hortons’ president and chief executive officer.
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As well, the restaurant chain has committed to buying 10 percent of its egg supply from farms with enriched hen housing by the end of 2013. Moving forward, the company will preferentially source pork products and eggs from suppliers who have documented plans to phase out gestation stalls and phase in enriched hen housing.
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies praised Tim Hortons for its commitment to animal welfare.
“The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies congratulates Tim Hortons on recognizing the importance of good animal welfare by calling on its suppliers to eliminate the use of gestation stalls,” said chief executive officer Barbara Cartwright.
The company announced earlier this year that it would buy one percent of its eggs from farms with enriched hen cages and that it would encourage the hog industry to move toward open housing systems.
McDonald’s and Burger King have committed to buying pork from farms with open housing systems.
Besides keeping pace with its fast food rivals, Tim Hortons went a step further by calling for a North American summit of restaurant companies to discuss the humane treatment of animals in the restaurant industry supply chain.
