The Choose Cage-Free campaign that started at the beginning of November at Fanshawe College has collected 600 signatures of support. All of those individuals who signed are requesting that Fanshawe College serve eggs from cage-free hens as opposed to hens confined in battery cages.

The Choose Cage-Free campaign is a program of the World Society for the Protection of Animals, a charity that works for the protection of animals around the globe. WSPA is opposed to battery cages because they are one of the most inhumane ways to keep farm animals. Five to seven hens are typically crammed into each cage with almost no room to turn around or stretch their wings. They are unable to nest, perch, peck, or scratch, causing severe stress and frustration. In contrast, cage-free production means that hens can walk and perform their natural behaviours.

The Food Service Committee at Fanshawe College took the step of officially discussing cage-free eggs at a meeting on November 24. The president of the Fanshawe Student Union, Joe Scalia, is further evaluating interest in cage-free eggs.

Talal Bissar, Chartwells Food Service director at Fanshawe College, has expressed enthusiastic support for cage-free eggs. "It is great that we are focusing on the treatment of animals. The fact that hundreds of Fanshawe students signed petitions shows how many people are aware." Chartwells/Compass Group Canada expresses official support for cage-free eggs in its comprehensive sustainability program, known as 360º.

Fanshawe's Choose Cage-Free campaign is led by student Ali Radomsky, who is vice president of the Fanshawe Rotaract Club, a student group that volunteers in the community. Radomsky is eager for Fanshawe to start serving cage-free eggs because of her experience with small-scale farming.

Eva Evans at Fanshawe College has also been garnering support for the more sustainable eggs. The first-year student of the human services foundation program said, "I love animals and believe they deserve to be treated with respect."

Wes Plunkett, a police foundations student who contributed two hours of his time to support animals, said, "I already knew that egg-laying hens were in cages but I hadn't realized that the situation was so bad."

Chris Stevens, who is working on a general arts and science certificate, described the treatment of animals on factory farms as "horrible." He also realized the link between farming methods and nutrition. "We are not getting the same nutrition when we eat battery cage eggs," he said.

Fanshawe has the unique opportunity to lead the way in this important animal welfare reform. Brittani Facchini, a business marketing student, stated, "If Fanshawe switches to cage-free eggs, it would encourage other (schools)." Sixteen schools in Canada have already reduced or completely eliminated their use of eggs from caged hens.

Judging by the overwhelming interest shown for animal welfare and sustainability at Fanshawe College, WSPA is optimistic that the Choose Cage-Free campaign will be successful.