MCLEAN, Va. - Hilton Worldwide, one of the world's oldest and largest resort and hotel chains, has announced it will begin to eliminate the use of cages for egg-laying hens and gestation crates for breeding pigs from its global supply chain.

Josh Balk, senior food policy director with the Humane Society of the United States, says the move by Hilton Worldwide is a major victory for animal welfare. His organization partnered with Hilton on the issue.

"Most egg-laying chickens are confined in cages and are unable to engage in vital and natural behaviors," says Balk. "On the pork side, most mother pigs are confined in what are known as gestation crates. These are cages so small mother pigs can't turn around for virtually their entire lives."

All hotels and resorts under the Hilton umbrella, including Doubletree by Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Hotels and Resorts, will be required to switch all egg usage to cage-free by December 31, 2017. All pork products will have to be purchased from suppliers that house breeding pigs in groups rather than gestation crates by December 31, 2018.

Balk says the tide is turning for many factory-farming practices in the U.S. and other countries, and he says Hilton Worldwide's new animal welfare commitment will substantially improve the lives of countless numbers of animals. But with a growing number of companies working to make these transitions, some ask why it will take years. According to Balk, it takes time to change the infrastructure of massive factory farms.

"It often takes several years to change how literally millions, and oftentimes tens of millions of animals are raised for food," he says.

In a written statement, Jennifer Silberman, vice president for corporate responsibility for Hilton Worldwide said, "With more than 2,000 restaurants in our global footprint, our goal is to have a considerable impact on sustainable sourcing in our industry, as well as drive humane treatment of animals throughout our supply chain."

Last year, Hilton announced a global ban on the sale of shark fins in all its owned and managed properties.


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November is almost here, and some Wisconsin households might be planning their menu for upcoming holiday meals.

Those who support vegan diets say it's not a "fringe" option to consider. For holidays like Thanksgiving, turkey is still the staple.

Mary Telfer, with the Wisconsin-based organization Alliance for Animals, said they urge everyone to avoid eating meat this holiday season due to animal treatment concerns, human health and environmental impacts from food production. For people on the fence about making the switch, she explained you can lean into vegan options.

"They think, 'How can I do this and still please my family? How can I do this and still keep up our traditions?' I mean, yeah, try some different things," Telfer urged.

She pointed out you can sample vegan food before the holidays, noting there are now countless websites and cookbooks with recipes. Grocery chains like Aldi and Trader Joe's sell plant-based holiday roasts. And Telfer added if you feel you need to serve meat to your guests, you can offset the impact by using sides like nondairy whipped cream. Staples like mashed potatoes and cranberries can still complement the meal.

And if you are worried about missing out on protein, Telfer recommended you load up protein-rich vegetables, such as peas. As for considering a vegan holiday meal, she feels it should not be as controversial as some might think.

"We don't think it's strange when we welcome progress when it comes in the form of technology or the newest phone or laptop. And yet, we have a harder time embracing progress in how we think about our nonhuman animal friends."

Beyond the treatment of animals, she stressed industrialized food production creates land use issues for future generations, and threatens wildlife habitat, while adding to pollution woes and harming human health.

A coalition of animal-welfare and family-farm advocates say a proposed amendment to the 2023 Farm Bill jeopardizes states' ability to regulate their own farming practices.

The EATS Act is a response to Proposition 12, a California law mandating better conditions for all farm animals raised in the state and transported there.

New England Farmers Union member Matt Barron said agricultural corporations are spreading misinformation about the law and threatening a dramatic rise in food prices.

"The Big Ag conglomerates play the fear card with consumers," he said, "saying if we can't get our way to conduct food production on this massive scale you won't have access to hamburger to grill before the football game."

Proponents of the EATS Act contend it's needed to streamline interstate commerce and prevent states from passing more laws that impose on farmers in other states.

A recent study from Harvard University suggested that the EATS Act would jeopardize more than 1,000 public health, safety and animal-welfare laws. That includes protections against infectious disease in livestock or protocols regarding the use of pesticides, which can have cascading impacts on water resources and wildlife.

Barron said the EATS Act would disadvantage farmers who've adopted environmental protections.

"We're a big specialty-crop state," he said. "The cranberry industry alone requires honeybees for pollination."

Barron said Massachusetts has been a leader in the "buy local" movement and many consumers appreciate knowing where and how their food is produced. Renewal of the Farm Bill has been delayed because of recent paralysis in Congress, but Barron said there's a growing bipartisan group of lawmakers voicing their opposition.


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Next week, parts of Wisconsin will see the return of near 90-degree temperatures. Animal rights voices say as hot stretches become more common, it is important for pet owners to take short- and long-term precautions to keep their four-legged companions safe.

The Environmental Protection Agency said under the threat of climate change, the Midwest is experiencing heat waves in greater frequency.

Kristin Schrank, board vice president of the Wisconsin-based group Alliance for Animals, said in general, ripple effects from a warning planet pose threats in a variety of ways.

"We're experiencing extreme heat and cold, wildfires, smoke and poor air quality," Schrank outlined. "This is not only impacting humans on the planet and their companion animals, but it's also impacting wildlife."

For summer heat, Schrank said pet owners should always keep fresh and clean water accessible, along with a shady spot. For those with a yard, she suggested enhancing landscaping, such as adding trees or shrubs, is helpful. Cooling mats for dogs are another option. When taking pets on a walk, experts say you should be mindful of the hot pavement, and either put protective boots on the animal or have them stay along the grass.

Schrank noted like humans, pets will show signs of heat stress, such as vomiting and disorientation. And there are some more likely to be affected by hotter temperatures.

"If the animal is very young, very old, overweight, thick coated, all of those things make them more vulnerable or susceptible," Schrank pointed out.

Despite greater awareness, Schrank emphasized there are still tragic situations involving pets being left in hot vehicles or outside in the extreme heat with no protection. Last year, there were 57 heat-related pet deaths in the U.S. She added under Wisconsin law, there are certain civil liability protections for those who spring into action if they observe such a situation.

"Essentially, it does allow people to cause damage," Schrank explained. "For example, break into a locked vehicle that has an animal that is suffering inside due to heat."

Some animals are not included in the statute, such as farm animals. The person taking action also has to follow certain guidelines, such as calling 911.