Brad Pitt urges Costco to stop selling Eggs from Caged Hens

On behalf of the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), Brad Pitt has written an open letter to officials of the US wholesale store Costco that it should stop selling eggs from caged hens. He has addressed the letter to Costco CEO Craig Jelinek.

In the letter, he has underlined the extreme conditions being faced by chickens. He has also highlighted about the health problems from which birds can suffer from owing to tight living areas. Pitt was of the view, “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”.

In most of Europe and in California, cages are banned because these cages lead to animals' muscles and bones atrophy. Pitt affirmed that keeping hens in these cages is cruelty to animal and they deserve better.

Many big companies including Burger King and Unilever are eliminating the concept of cages. In fact, Whole Foods has not even sold eggs from caged hens. Pitt said that he has admiration for Costco, as it shown positive social commitments on many issues. Now, they want that the retail giant shown extend its courage and integrity and basic decency in this matter also.

He is not alone, who has written an open letter to Costco. Last month, Ryan Gosling also did the same and comedian Bill Maher has also echoed the voice. He has written an editorial about battery chickens last week in the New York Times.