In 2015, Black Bear Diner did something really positive. The company committed to ending its use of eggs that come from hens kept in tiny, filthy cages and agreed to transition the company over to 100% cage-free eggs by 2020. This commitment was similar to those made by other companies over the years—now 400+ companies in the US have commitments to transition to the use of solely cage-free eggs. All of those companies benefited from the positive PR that comes with such an announcement, receiving praise from customers, news outlets, and animal protection groups. So what’s the problem? Since that time, Black Bear Diner removed its 100% cage-free egg policy from its website without informing its customers. 

The policy it reposted is vague and sub-par at best, committing to be 65% cage-free by 2024, rather than 100% by the [now past] 2020. The website no longer has any mention of a goal to reach 100% at all. Somehow, it seems, Black Bear Diner is content with supporting the cruel method of caging some, but not all hens in its supply chain. 

Why should Black Bear reinstate its cage-free egg policy, other than the fact that it’s the honest and transparent thing to do? It’s because conventional (not cage-free) eggs come from hens who are crammed together into small, filthy, and barren wire cages. Unable to even spread her own wings, each hen has the space about the size of an iPad on which to live her entire, miserable life. They can’t dust-bathe or express most of Their other natural behaviors. Often, they suffer from broken bones and mental anguish. 

Chickens are social, intelligent animals who should not be forced to live in such horrifying conditions. And companies like Black Bear Diner should not go back on their commitments, especially when they affect the lives of so many animals. 

Black Bear Diner, it’s time you reinstate your 100% cage-free egg policy.