Costco is currently under fire as various celebrities are speaking out against the company's practice of selling eggs produced by caged hens, according to Fox News. Among the latest widely renowned personalities to join the campaign against Costco's routine is none other than Brad Pitt. Citing the practice as an apparent "animal cruelty," Angelina Jolie's husband urges the establishment to rethink its policies.
Pitt's plea came in the form of a letter to Costco's chief executive, Craig Jelinek. According to the Hollywood A-lister, the condition upon which the birds are currently thrusted cause the creatures to suffer from atrophy of their muscles and bones due to spending so much time cramped in a small space and immobile. To bolster his claims, the "Mr. and Mrs. Smith" star notes in his letter that such practice has already been banned in the majority of European countries and in California.
"As you know, these birds producing eggs for your shelves are crammed five or more into cages that are not large enough for even one hen to spread her wings," Pitt writes. He adds, "In these cruel cages, the animals' muscles and bones atrophy from years of immobilization. That's why the cages are illegal in most of Europe, and why California banned the cages by an overwhelming vote years ago."
The "Fury" star then goes on to say, "In short, cramming hens into cages for their entire lives constitutes cruelty to animals, and animals deserve better." He then cites, according to Entertainment Tonight, that a number of major establishments have chosen to eliminate such practice. These corporations include Burger King and Unilever. In addition, Pitt notes that Whole Foods has halted the practice of selling eggs from caged hens for years.
"You've shown great courage and integrity on a range of issues," Pitt tells Costco's head. He adds, "Won't you please extend that sensibility-and basic decency-to chickens? Please, will you set a reasonable timeframe to stop selling eggs from caged hens?"
Apart from Pitt, Costco's caged hen controversy was also tackled by Bill Maher. In an article published in the New York Times, titled "Free the Hens, Costco," the comedian cited that "multiple investigations into battery cages document animals with deteriorated spinal cords, some who have become paralyzed and then mummified in their cages." To further illustrate his point, Maher provided a more visual example to help the public fully grasp the situation of the caged hens.
"Imagine cramming five cats or dogs into tiny cages, hundreds of thousands in each shed, for their entire lives," he said. Maher then went on to say, "That would warrant cruelty charges, of course. But when the egg industry does it to hens, it's considered business as usual."
