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Australian health and lifestyle personality Michelle Bridges is leading an army of caring Australians pledging to choose cage-free eggs when eating out, to help free the 10 million Australian hens still living in barren battery cages.

The personal trainer and wellness warrior has joined with the RSPCA to call on Australians to extend their commitment to better farming practices from their pantry to their favourite café or restaurant.

“Like so many Australians, I’ve already made the conscious decision to choose cage-free eggs when I’m shopping for groceries – but despite this shift, battery cages are still responsible for most of Australia’s egg production,” Ms Bridges said.

“That’s because, the food service industry is where the majority of cage eggs end up.

“These eggs are on our café plates at breakfast, or served as ingredients when we’re at a restaurant for dinner, and we don’t even realise it.”

Michelle Bridges and the RSPCA are asking consumers to show their commitment to cage-free eggs by Taking The Pledge and posting to social media to help spread the message.

        By Taking The Pledge, consumers are helping encourage more businesses to use higher welfare eggs, supporting Aussie farmers who are leading their industry in putting hen welfare first   and         leaving cruel battery cage farming behind.

        Australians can join Michelle Bridges in Taking The Pledge at: https://www.rspca.org.au/the-pledge

“By pledging to choose cage-free eggs when eating out for brunch, lunch or dinner, we can send the message to businesses that we care about the welfare of layer hens, and help increase the demand for higher welfare eggs.”

Currently, over 10 million layer hens are still suffering in barren battery cages across Australia, crammed in with several other hens and with less space each than the size of an A4 piece of paper.

“Hens are social, curious and intelligent animals, and they need to be able to stretch their wings, scratch, peck and dustbathe, perch and lay their eggs in a nest,” RSPCA Humane Food Manager Hope Bertram said.

“Denying them these basic behaviours for their entire lives causes immense suffering and chronic frustration, which shows as aggression, boredom and stress.”

“We’re already seeing change, with major brands like McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, Subway and Oporto committing to serving cage-free eggs. Now we need cafes and restaurants to follow suit, and join the movement to free hens from cages,” said Ms Bertram.

Michelle Bridges, who has been a long-time supporter of the RSPCA, says it’s never been easier to take the cage-free pledge.

“I encourage all compassionate Australians to take the pledge, and seek out cafes and restaurants serving higher welfare eggs – you can find them easily on the RSPCA’s Choose Wisely Directory.

“And if your favourite local venue hasn’t made the switch yet, let them know animal welfare is important to you, and ask them to put hen welfare on their menu,” Said Ms Bridges.

 

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