Author: Cassie Bodin-Duval

Humane Society International / Europe

HSI

BRUSSELS—A year after the publication of the Revised Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking, representatives from Member States, the European Commission, the European Parliament and civil society gathered in Brussels to discuss the implementation of the Action Plan and solutions to end illegal wildlife trade. The event was co-organised by Eurogroup for Animals, Animal Advocacy and Protection, International Fund for Animal Welfare, Humane Society International and Pro Wildlife.

Wildlife trafficking is one of the largest international criminal activities. It contributes significantly to biodiversity loss, increases the risk of zoonotic diseases and has negative socio-economic impacts, particularly in countries where animals and wildlife products are sourced. 

The EU is a hub for wildlife trafficking and therefore has a crucial role to play. The revised EU Action Plan against Wildlife Trafficking, published in 2022, provides improvements compared to the previous Action Plan and foresees ambitious actions to tackle the issue. Our conference, marking the first year of the release of the revised Action Plan, was opened by a video message from Virginijus Sinkevičius, European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, who highlighted the role of illegal trafficking in loss of biodiversity and undermining peace and security,  followed by a message from César Luena MEP (Socialists and Democrats), who stressed that the success of the Action Plan depends on dedicated implementation by all actors.

The first panel discussed care for confiscated live animals. Representatives from rescue facilities across Europe emphasised the difficulties they are facing to accommodate seized animals and called for increased capacities and resources to offer proper care. Maria Pita Fernandez from the Spanish Ministry for Ecological Transition and Demographic Challenges detailed the actions taken by the country in this regard, especially to facilitate information-sharing and coordination. IFAW presented a new Online Learning Program for enforcement authorities on handling confiscated live animals. The panel stressed the challenges in setting adequate conditions for a wide range of species and called for dedicated funding for rescue centres in national Action Plans without impeding activities to address the root causes of wildlife trafficking. 

Participants then heard the experiences of Member States regarding the implementation of the EU Action Plan and innovative solutions at the national level. Representatives from Spain and Czechia presented their plans to fight illegal wildlife trafficking, while Lithuania, the Netherlands, Cyprus and Belgium detailed their experience in implementing innovative measures such as the positive list of allowed pets, emphasising the importance for such lists to protect animal welfare, public health and biodiversity. This is relevant in the context of the upcoming study from the European Commission on the added value and feasibility of an EU Positive List for Pets. Panellists highlighted the added value of an EU positive list to better regulate intra-EU trade and the need to retain national lists that would be stricter than the EU list.

The third panel focused on enforcement challenges and consisted of French and Spanish law enforcement authorities, the representative of the German online platform DeineTierwelt, IFAW and the European Commission. The panellists discussed the state of play and opportunities to properly enforce the legislation in place to combat wildlife trafficking. They emphasised the need for ambitious and harmonised rules to regulate wildlife trade online. Training and awareness raising of enforcement officers on environmental crime, including cybercrime, is crucial to enforce these rules. Financial crimes closely linked to wildlife criminal activities can also facilitate prosecution and must be carefully considered by enforcement authorities.

The final panel exchanged on the loopholes in the current EU legislation which enable species that are illegally caught and smuggled in their origin countries to legally enter the EU market. The example of the Macedonian Grayling, an endangered nationally protected butterfly sold online across the EU was presented. Experts and enforcement authorities described the problem while lawyers and civil society proposed solutions, including a model legislation for the EU, in view of the upcoming Commission’s feasibility study on this issue. Panellists underlined that such legislation could complement an EU Positive List and is an important opportunity for the EU to protect biodiversity worldwide.

The event was closed by MEP Martin Hojsík (Renew) on a hopeful note, calling for the timely and proper implementation of this ambitious Action Plan, increased capacity to seriously tackle illegal wildlife trade and the need for new legislative tools at EU level including the positive list and the criminalisation of illegally sourced wildlife trade in the EU.

Dr Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs for Humane Society International/Europe, says: “Yesterday’s event has illustrated just how vital it is that the EU closes the loopholes in the current EU wildlife trade regulations. By failing to criminalise the import of nationally protected wildlife species that have been taken in violation of the laws of other countries and allowing this stolen wildlife to be traded legally in Member States, the EU continues to be complicit in the loss of biodiversity elsewhere in the world. This cannot and must not continue.”

ENDS

Media contact: Cassie Bodin-Duval, international coordinator for media relations: cbodinduval@hsi.org ; +32 (0) 469 149 469

Experts convene to explore group housing over extreme confinement of mother pigs in Southeast Asia

Humane Society International / Southeast Asia

HSUS

HANOI, Viet Nam—Leading international experts on pig farming, behavior and animal welfare will gather online on Nov. 22 and 29 for the “Group Housing of Sows—The Future of Pig Production in Viet Nam and Globally” webinar series. It will give food companies, pig farmers, financial institutions, government officials and academic institutions a unique opportunity for a deep dive into case studies, data and best practices showcasing group housing as the more compassionate choice instead of extreme confinement of mother pigs.

Southeast Asia is one of the largest pig farming regions in the world, accounting for nearly 5 million sows living on farms in 2021.

There is growing demand from food corporations and financial institutions for higher animal welfare production systems. Group-housing, a higher animal welfare system than confining gestating sows, is internationally and scientifically recognized as the better system for sow welfare, and as pig farmers upgrade outdated equipment, now is the time to embrace the coming market changes.

These two Zoom webinars will be conducted at 20:00-21:30 on Nov. 22 and 29, 2023 (Hanoi, Bangkok time, GMT+7) with presentations in English and live translation to Vietnamese. People who work in or with the food industry or pig farming are welcome to register for the event here.

Jackie Groberski, manager of corporate and financial institution engagement at Humane Society International, says: “Improving animal welfare is an advantageous business decision that aligns with global sustainability efforts. It’s essential that companies, financial institutions and other interest holders understand that group housing for breeding pigs is the future.”

Humane Society International’s work to improve the welfare of animals in agriculture is science-based and collaborative. The organization works with companies, farmers, processors, financial institutions, scientists and certifiers to support a transition to cage-free housing systems, and offers a wide range of support to companies including farm visits, consumer education and corporate roundtables and workshops to enhance their supply chains.

ENDS

Media contact: Hang Le, Southeast Asia regional farm animal welfare program manager, hanglt@hsi.org

Eco-travelers delight as 20% of protein purchases turn plant-based

Humane Society International / Southeast Asia

HSI

BANGKOK—Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park in conjunction with Humane Society International pledges to shift 20% of menu options across six dining venues to plant-based proteins in the next two years. Made in response to travelers’ growing appetite for people, animal and planet-friendly food, this initiative will spare nearly 9,000 animal lives per year and reduce close to the equivalent of 150,000 kgs of CO2 emissions.

Humane Society International launched this initiative with a six-day training for the hotel’s  culinary team, combining theory with practical plant-based cooking to equip chefs with the culinary techniques and knowledge to whip up new, mouthwatering recipes such as satay tempeh skewers, cinnamon French toast, lion’s mane mushroom “chicken,” and banana cream pie with gingerbread crust. Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park will begin implementing their menu changes with an initial focus on novel plant-based breakfast offerings.

Stephen Doe, the hotel’s executive chef, said: “At Marriott, we realize Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world. Sustainable travel has been a keyword for travelers in recent years. People are looking for ways to reduce their impact on the environment and cut greenhouse gas emissions, whether through choosing more sustainable transportation methods or accommodations or by choosing more environmentally friendly foods. International travelers have become more conscious of their actions and know they can make a difference.

With the help from Humane Society International’s plant-based program, we are confident to serve plant-based dishes that cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and provide our customers with healthy options, plus the taste is unmatched.”

Janjaree Chianwichai, HSI food policy manager for Southeast Asia, said: “We are delighted to be collaborating with Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park to increase their plant-based menu options, which we estimate will spare nearly 9,000 animals per year and reduce close to 150,000 kg CO2-eq emissions, the equivalent of 14 trips around the world. Through our plant-based programs, we support chefs around the world in learning how to create dishes that are better for animals, people and the environment. When you understand the techniques, cooking food from plants offers endless possibilities to create innovative, flavorful recipes. Bangkok Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park is setting a meaningful example for the hospitality industry in Asia Pacific by working to reduce its use of animal proteins by 20% over the next two years. This transformative target and milestone will help to make the hospitality industry in Asia Pacific more compassionate, sustainable and nutritious.”

ENDS

Media contact: Janjaree Chianwichai, HSI food policy manager for Southeast Asia,  jchianwichai@hsi.org ; +66 982806388

Rena Bakery is going cage-free in 2023

Humane Society International / Southeast Asia

HSI

Update: As of October 2023, Rena Bakery has published that it no longer buys eggs from caged hens.

BANGKOK, Thailand—Rena Bakery, a family-owned bakery establishment, committed to switching to cage-free eggs following a constructive dialogue with Humane Society International

The 30-year-old establishment stands firmly behind its decision to transition to cage-free eggs, viewing it as a testament to its unwavering dedication to the use of top-quality ingredients.

“After we learned more about how caged hens live, we decided that we needed to do something to help. We see this as a step forward to improve our operational standard for our customers. We love what we do and wish to improve when we can. We are committing to use 100% cage-free eggs in our store from now on,” said Mr. Chatchai Komintr, CEO of Rena Bakery and the second generation of leadership in the family business.

“Most Thai people remain unaware that the majority of eggs come from hens enduring a lifetime in wire cages so small they can’t spread their wings, nor do they know that most hens will never walk on grass or set foot on solid ground. Hens are sentient, intelligent and sociable animals. Scientific studies have shown that they can count, anticipate the future, empathize with their chicks, and enjoy social activities. We’re proud to work with a corporation that considers animal welfare a priority and acknowledges that the future of eggs is cage-free,” said Lalada Tangjerdjaras, Thailand program manager for Farm Animal Welfare for Humane Society International.

Humane Society International’s work to improve the welfare of animals in agriculture is both science-based and collaborative. The organization works with companies, farmers, processors, scientists and certifiers to support a transition to cage-free housing systems, and offers a wide range of support to companies including farm visits, consumer education and corporate roundtables and workshops to enhance their supply chains.

ENDS

Media contact: Lalada Tangjerdjaras, Thailand program manager for farm animal welfare and protection at Humane Society International, ltangjerdjaras@hsi.org

Humane Society International / Latin America

HSI

SÃO PAULO―Alibem, one of the largest pig producer integrators in Brazil, has published a new animal welfare policy that includes a commitment to reduce the months-long cage confinement of mother sows to no more than seven days, setting a new standard for all upcoming projects and facilities.

According to Humane Society International, this is a tremendous improvement over the standard group housing system that some producers have implemented. By 2031, Alibem will reduce the months-long solitary crate confinement of sows to no more than 35 days, which is 14 years before a 2045 deadline to have group housing for pigs established in Brazil.

Gestation crates, restrictive narrow metal stalls barely larger than a mother pig’s own body, deny them the freedom to move or even turn around. Mother pigs are confined during the entire length of their pregnancy, which is approximately 116 days. Confinement in the restrictive and barren crates has negative physical, psychological and behavioral impacts. In contrast, group housing systems keep sows together in pens where they have the opportunity to express natural behavior, comfortable movement and healthy social interactions. While group housing is becoming much more widespread, some producers using group housing still confine sows in crates for up to six weeks or 42 days after breeding, before moving them into group housing. HSI encourages producers to adopt crate-free systems where groups are formed before the sensitive period of the pregnancy and mother pigs are not confined in stalls for longer than seven days.

Anna Cristina Souza, policy and program manager for HSI Farm Animal Welfare and Protection in Brazil, praised the company’s decision to improve pig welfare and said: “Alibem’s commitment to go gestation crate-free for all new projects makes it a leader in animal welfare in the pig industry. This decision means that tens of thousands of mother pigs will be relieved from months confined in a crate barely larger than their own bodies.”

Souza says this signals an even brighter green light for the Brazilian pig sector to move away from gestation crates. There is a quiet revolution in Brazil, with the largest pork-producing companies implementing group housing systems Alibem joins other industry giants, such as JBS, BRF, Aurora, Pamplona, Pif Paf and Allegra, on the journey to either completely phase out or significantly reduce the amount of time that mother pigs are in solitary crate confinement. Together these companies represent most of the pig industry in Brazil.

ENDS

Media contact: Anna Cristina Souza,policy and program manager for HSI Farm Animal Welfare and Protection in Brazil, asouza@hsi.org

Humane Society International / Latin America

Veterinary care for cats at criminal detention center in Chile. Claudio Ramírez for HSI. 

SANTIAGO, Chile―Almost 100 cats living in Chile’s largest and oldest prison facility have received veterinary care for the first time thanks to a joint program by Humane Society International and local Chilean charity Felinnos Foundation. The cats living with the estimated 4,482 inmates at the Santiago Sur Criminal Detention Center were spayed and neutered, vaccinated and treated for wounds and parasite infections.

Cats were originally introduced at the penitentiary―known locally as the CDP―to control the rodent population. However, with no sterilization services, the cat population has grown uncontrollably in living conditions that are extremely challenging for both prisoners and animals. The largely cement paved outdoor spaces do not provide the cats with adequate environments to relieve themselves, generating a hygiene problem, and as inmates are not permitted to bring cat food into the prison, the animals live on leftover human food. The lack of food for the cats poses health issues for the cats along with the risk that some inmates who care for several cats go without adequate food themselves.

The most critical issue, however, is that the cats do not receive any veterinary care, resulting in untreated wounds, disease and high kitten mortality. Some inmates attempt to treat the cats as best that they can, often using home remedies with the limited resources available. Despite the challenging circumstances, many inmates have a strong and loving bond with  the cats they care for, and a genuine desire to improve the quality of life for these animals.

The groups carried out the prison cat program over three days in cooperation with the Chilean Gendarmerie. Around 30 cats per day were collected from the prison, given medical care for any conditions, spayed/neutered, vaccinated against rabies, kept overnight to recover, and then returned to their inmate guardians or to the penitentiary location where they were found. Cat food was also provided to the inmates so that the cats receive proper nutrition.

Dr. Katherine Polak, Humane Society International’s vice president of companion animals and engagement, says: “Prison cat programs help both pets and people, having a profound impact on the health and wellbeing of prisoners, cats, administrators and society at large. Spaying and neutering helps stabilize the cat population and prevents excess kittens from being born. Providing medical care helps ensure cats are kept healthy, live longer and the potential for zoonotic disease transmission is minimized. Ultimately the cats help people too, by lowering inmate stress levels, providing companionship and fostering opportunities for inmates to express nurturing behaviors and responsibility. There is even evidence to suggest that inmates who interact with cats while in prison are less likely to reoffend.”

Marcela Diaz, Humane Society International’s manager for companion animals and engagement in Chile, says: “This comprehensive prison cat program at the Santiago Sur Criminal Detention Center is unique in Chile, working with all stakeholders to foster an appreciation of and participation in humane animal care and population management. It’s also a great example of collaboration between private and non-government organizations to improve the living conditions, health and well-being of cats residing in the CDP. In recent years, the number of inmates requesting medical care and food for the cats has increased, highlighting the importance of preserving the human-animal bond.”

ENDS

Media contact:

  • Wendy Higgins, HSI director of international media,  whiggins@hsi.org
  • Marcela Diaz, HSI companion animal program manager in Chile,  mdiaz@hsi.org; +56 9 81569726

Poll findings underscore call for Commission to deliver on its promise to ban on caged confinement for farm animals

Humane Society International / Europe

Pig farm in Italy
Jo-Anne McArthur/Essere Animali

BRUSSELS—The European Commission released today the long-awaited results of its Eurobarometer survey on EU citizens’ attitudes towards animal welfare. As anticipated, the polling data confirms that the vast majority of Europeans (84%) believe that the welfare of farm animals should be better protected. Across all EU Member States, at least eight in ten respondents believe that ensuring that animals are not kept in individual cages is an important factor in meeting our ethical responsibilities to animals.

Dr Joanna Swabe, senior director of public affairs for Humane Society International/Europe, commented:

“The Eurobarometer results released today unequivocally confirm the incredible strength of citizen support in all Member States for the advancement of animal welfare. It was no secret that this poll had been conducted many months ago, but it was rumoured that the Commission leadership had been suppressing the results given their reluctance to adhere to the clear animal welfare commitments made in both the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and the formal response to the European Citizens’ Initiative to End the Cage Age.”

During a Parliamentary hearing earlier this month, Commission Vice-President Maroš Šefčovič, the new European Green Deal chief, broke the Commission’s silence on its failure to deliver the promised package of legislative proposals to revise and expand the scope of the existing body EU animal welfare legislation. Šefčovič signalled that all but the proposal on animal transport were being shelved for the foreseeable . The Eurobarometer provides a strong reminder before the EU elections that citizens care about animal welfare. The results of this survey emphasise the importance of Europe staying true to its commitment to eliminating caged farming.

“Ignoring the immense citizen support for improved animal welfare and the failure to honour the Commission’s commitments to deliver these legislative reforms is an affront to the millions of EU citizens who want better treatment of farm animals,” says Swabe. “With the European elections only months away, the Commission’s backsliding on animal welfare risks eroding ordinary citizens’ faith in the European institutions and how much they are truly working for them and their interests.”

Support for improved animal protection regulations does not come only from the general public. The Commission’s own regulatory fitness and performance programme which aims to ensure that EU laws deliver on their objectives, determined that the current animal welfare legislation is no longer fit for purpose. The European Food Safety Agency delivered scientific opinions regarding the on-farm welfare of animals, which make it clear that farm animals have complex welfare needs that cannot be met within the confines of cages and crates.

With respect to the welfare of animals on farms, the Eurobarometer survey results reveal, for example, that:

  • 90% of Europeans consider that farming and breeding practices should meet basic ethical requirements.
  • 91% consider that it is important to protect the welfare of farmed animals (e.g., pigs, cattle, poultry, etc.) to ensure that they have decent living conditions.
  • 84% consider that in general the welfare of farmed animals in their country should be better protected than it is now
  • 67% say they would like to have more information about the conditions in which farmed animals are raised in their country.
  • Over eight in 10 respondents believe that ensuring that farmed animals have enough food and an adapted environment satisfying their basic needs (e.g., mud, straw, etc., depending on the species) is important in all 27 EU Member States.
  • In all 27 EU Member States, more than eight in 10 respondents consider that providing farmed animals enough space to be able to move around, lie down and stand up is important.
  • At least eight in 10 respondents in all 27 EU Member States consider that ensuring that people who handle the animals have sufficient skills and training is an important aspect of meeting our ethical responsibilities to animals.
  • In all 27 EU Member States, over three-quarters of respondents think that banning the cutting of certain body parts of the animals unless it is necessary to protect the safety of workers/farmers (in which case anaesthesia will be used) is an important condition to meet our ethical responsibilities to animals.
  • 75% think that the practice of killing one-day-old male baby chicks is unacceptable.
  • Over six in 10 Europeans believe that EU animal welfare rules should apply to food imported from non-EU countries.
  • Six in 10 Europeans are willing to pay more for products sourced from animal welfare-friendly farming systems. Six in 10 Europeans indicated that they look for labels identifying products sourced from animal welfare-friendly farming systems when buying food products.

Facts

  • In 2020, the European Commission released its Farm to Fork strategy for a fair, healthy and environmentally friendly food system as part of its European Green Deal flagship policy package. This included a commitment to revise the existing animal welfare legislation to align it with the latest scientific evidence, broaden its scope, make it easier to enforce and ultimately ensure a higher level of animal welfare. The legislative package was due to be published in the third quarter of 2023.
  • In 2021, in response to the European Citizens’ Initiative to End the Cage Age, which garnered nearly 1.4 million validated signatures, the Commission also promised to deliver proposals to end the caged confinement of animals kept for food by the end of 2023.
  • The Eurobarometer is the official polling instrument that is used by the European Commission, the European Parliament and other EU institutions and agencies to monitor public opinion on EU issues and attitudes towards specific subjects.
  • Prior to today’s publication, Special Eurobarometer report 442 on Attitudes of Europeans towards Animal Welfare was the most recent EU-wide survey on this issue and was published in 2016. At that time, more than nine in 10 EU respondents said they believed that it is important to protect the welfare of farmed animals (94%).

ENDS

Media contact:  Yavor Gechev, communications director for HSI/Europe: ygechev@hsi.org ; +359889468098 ; +393515266629

Launched to commemorate World Rabies Day, the directory connects community members with services dedicated to the welfare of street dogs

Humane Society International / India

Helping dogs in Vadodara, India
Chanchal Sana Makarpura

VADODARA, Gujarat—Humane Society International/India launched India’s first-ever directory dedicated to street dog welfare. The directory features useful information on dog welfare-focused individuals and agencies that offer services including rescue, veterinary care, transport, adoptions, treatment, rabies vaccinations, and Animal Birth Control (ABC) facilities and services.

An estimated 75 million dogs roam India’s streets, facing risks like early puppy mortality, diseases, traffic injuries, malnutrition, and cruelty due to communities’ fear of dog bites and rabies (which causes approximately 20,000 human deaths annually). The directory is key to creating a strong dog welfare network by connecting the community with multiple agencies and services committed to helping street dogs in Vadodara, saving both human and animal lives.

The event was attended by dignitaries from Vadodara Municipal Corporation VMC including the Smt. Pinkyben Nirajbhai Soni (Mayor), Shri Chiragbhai Dilipbhai Barot (Deputy Mayor), and Dr.Devesh Patel (Chief Health Officer), along with representatives of listed agencies and services. Local NGOs, volunteers and residents also participated in the event.

“There are multiple individuals and groups across the city that have joined hands with us over the years to improve street dog welfare in Vadodara. We created this directory in recognition of the need to unite these forces into a single platform accessible to all of Vadodara’s residents and thereby strengthening the street dog welfare work in the city,” says Dr. Vrushti Mawani, senior manager of Companion Animals & Engagement, HSI/India. “We plan to build similar resources for other Indian cities too,” she adds.

“The directory developed by Humane Society International/India is for everyone who wants to improve the lives of street dogs but feels helpless due to lack of access to the right network,” says Rashmika Vaghela, Municipal Councilor, VMC.

This initiative is a part of the organization’s integrated dog management program, involving Animal Birth Control along with extensive community engagement and responsible pet ownership to promote peaceful coexistence between humans and street dogs across Vadodara. Since 2017, HSI/India, in collaboration with VMC, has sterilized and vaccinated over 44,000 dogs, marking Vadodara as the first city in India to achieve a dog sterilization rate of more than 86%.

Media contact: Shaili Shah, sshah@hsi.org ; 993-059-1005

Baan Ying Family commits to only use free-range organic eggs in future locations

Humane Society International / Southeast Asia

David Paul Morris, HSUS

Update: As of September 2023, Bann Ying Family has published that it no longer buys eggs from caged hens.

BANGKOK, Thailand—Restaurant group Baan Ying Family adopted a new animal welfare policy to use 100% free-range organic eggs. The group runs six restaurant brands including Baan Ying, Baan Ying Plant Based, Uma Uma, Cosmos Café, Isaa Isaan and Fatt Chicken.

In Thailand, the majority of the 95.8 million hens kept for egg production spend their entire lives in wire cages smaller than an A4-sized sheet of paper, preventing them from spreading their wings or taking more than a single step. In these battery cage systems, hens are unable to express important natural behavior, including nesting, perching and dustbathing, all of which are possible in cage-free systems. The policy builds on a 2019 commitment and applies to future locations.

“When we started looking for free-range eggs in 2017, there weren’t enough available for our businesses. We partnered with Naeville Organic Farm to create a brand of cage-free eggs to distribute within Baan Ying Family of restaurants, consumers, and any corporates who are interested in another natural and premium egg selection. We would like to ensure the highest level of raw materials and customer satisfaction that comes from good animal welfare standards for hens and every animal,” said Mr. Songsorn Jansanchai, Managing Director of Baan Ying Family.

Mr. Songsorn shared, “We have the foundation of establishing the business from family. We understand the basics of creating good business by involving participants to engage with our journey of success. In doing so, we need to pay attention to animals, human beings, and the environment to expand our strong customer base for our long-term goal. We want to engage our team, customers, and animals in our path by selecting good natural products ensuring animal welfare.”

Lalada Tangjerdjaras, Thailand Program Manager of Farm Animal Welfare and Protection for Humane Society International, said: “We are delighted with the Baan Ying Family’s new cage-free egg procurement policy. This decision underscores their steadfast dedication to hen welfare, a commitment they have consistently upheld since 2019, regardless of where they operate. Their unwavering commitment is sending a clear message: the future of egg production in Thailand is cage-free. This sets an inspiring example for other companies in Thailand to follow.”

Baan Ying Family joins other multinational companies that have made similar global cage-free egg commitments that apply to Thailand and the rest of Asia, including Central Retail Group, AccorHotels, Hilton Hotels and Resorts, Sodexo, Nestle and Mondelez International, among others.

Humane Society International’s work to improve the welfare of animals in agriculture is both science-based and collaborative. The organization works with companies, farmers, processors, scientists and certifiers to support a transition to cage-free housing systems, and offers a wide range of support to companies including farm visits, consumer education, and corporate roundtables and workshops to enhance their supply chains.

ENDS

Media contact:  Lalada Tangjerdjaras, Thailand Program Manager for Farm Animal Welfare and Protection at Humane Society International : ltangjerdjaras@hsi.org

Thai restaurant Kalpapruek takes a stand for animals and commits to go 100% cage-free eggs in 2023

Humane Society International / Southeast Asia

David Paul Morris/ HSUS

Update: As of June 2023, Kalpapruek has published that it no longer buys eggs from caged hens.

BANGKOK, Thailand— Kalpapruek, a Thai restaurant founded by Prince Bhisatej Rajani and Lady Datchari Rajani in 1975, announced its new animal welfare commitment to serve and buy eggs only from cage-free hens, starting this year. In a swift move spurred by constructive dialogues, the restaurant has transformed its policies in collaboration with the global animal charity Humane Society International.  

This rapid shift acts as a glimmer of hope for the 95.8 million hens in Thailand, a majority of whom are currently confined in cramped wire cages, preventing them from spreading their wings or taking more than a single step. Cage-free production systems provide hens with the space they need to lay eggs in nests, stretch their wings, scratch the ground, and peck naturally—all of which are scientifically documented behavioral needs.  

Mrs. Padaree Bunnag, CEO and Heir of Kalpapruek Restaurant said about the new policy, “My family and I are animal lovers. We want to see these hens express their natural behavior rather than living in caged confinement their entire lives. We believe it is our responsibility to create and support more responsible consumption with our customers. We would like to be a small inspiration to others in creating positive actions for animals and the environment, and believe that this world could be better with everyone’s involvement.”  

Ditching caged eggs seamlessly integrates with the restaurant’s mission to make a positive impact on society, champion environmental conservation, and advocate for the welfare of animals. With this new policy, Kalpapruek is sending a clear message to the egg industry and related stakeholders: in Thailand, the future of egg production is cage-free. 

“Kalpapruek is joining 50 other companies in Thailand, such as The Coffee Club and Sukishi Intergroup, that have pledged to use exclusively cage-free eggs in their supply chains. With more than 2,000 corporations around the globe—such as Burger King, Bimbo, Sofitel Saigon Plaza and Accor—having committed to go cage-free, Thailand is part of a global trend toward cage-free eggs.”, said Lalada Tangjerdjaras, Thailand Program Manager of Farm Animal Welfare and Protection for Humane Society International. She continued, “Kalpapruek is a leader in the Thai restaurant sector by deciding to source cage-free eggs. There are over a dozen producers in Thailand that are using either 100% cage-free systems or have begun to use cage-free systems, including C.P. Foods, Betagro, KCF, Akara, Omax, Sa-Nguan Farm, Naeville Organic Farm, and Be Indy Country Farm.” 

Humane Society International will continue playing a pivotal role in assisting Kalpapruek in implementing this policy change and the restaurant will create materials to educate their consumers about this critical change to higher animal welfare. Humane Society International’s work to improve the welfare of animals in agriculture is both science-based and collaborative. The organization works with companies, farmers, processors, scientists and certifiers to support a transition to cage-free housing systems, and offers a wide range of support to companies including farm visits, consumer education and corporate roundtables and workshops to enhance their supply chains. 

ENDS

Media contact:  Lalada Tangjerdjaras, Thailand Program Manager for Farm Animal Welfare and Protection at Humane Society International : ltangjerdjaras@hsi.org

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