After more than 56,000 people signed a petition presented by Change.org and other animal rights activists put some additional pressure on the large US restaurant chain, the Cheesecake Factory has committed to using only cage free eggs at their dining establishments.
It is becoming well-known that purchasing eggs from factory farms is inherently supporting cruelty imposed on animals by the masses. It is no good for the animals, no good for people, and certainly no good for the environment.
You can see a brief video about factory farming here. I warn you, though, this video is a bit graphic. It is, however, important for people to realize what really goes on at a factory farm.
The chain says that they will ‘work with their suppliers’ to be sure that animals are cared for throughout their entire life cycle…
“…[and will adhere to] the foundation of the Animal Welfare Guidelines is based on the belief that every animal has intrinsic rights and should have basic freedoms during their entire life cycle, including:
- Freedom from hunger and thirst
- Freedom from living in discomfort
- Freedom from pain
- Freedom to express normal species behavior
- Freedom from fear and distress”
They have also promised to:
“. . .set specific standards in such areas as space and density, use of antibiotics, hormones and feed additives, physical alterations, bedding and housing, social behaviors, environmental conditions, and transparency in treatment.”
The Cheesecake Factory has over 200 locations all over America, so their actions, like those of chains like Chipotle (who has also committed to more sustainable and cruelty-free ways of doing business) will hopefully reverberate throughout the food industry.