Dear Supporters,

We recently shared Costco's disappointing pig welfare policy that now states it is acceptable for its pork suppliers to use gestation crates on a "limited" basis − rather than requiring them to phase crates out entirely.

Most of us believe it is inhumane to ever confine an animal in a cage so small that she cannot stretch or legs or turn around for weeks at a time.

We want to say thanks to the hundreds of supporters who participated in our survey to let Costco know how we all feel about its new policy.  

Here are the results:

Q. Would be more likely to buy fresh pork from Costco if the company was committed to eliminating the use of gestation crates for a mother pig's entire pregnancy cycle?

Costco members said:  Yes: 92%   No: 4.7%  Not sure: 3.3%

Q: Costco recently changed its gestation policy from asking suppliers to "phase out the use of gestation crates" to "limiting the use of gestation crates".  Do you think this shows more or less of a commitment to end the use of gestation crates?

Costco members said: Less: 92.3%  More: 2.9%  Not sure: 4.8%

Let's keep letting Costco know how we feel about its policy update.  Please take these next steps:  

• Call your local warehouse. Check here for phone numbers.  
• Call Member Service: 1-800-774-2678  - Option #1. Have your membership number handy.

Message suggestion: It's important to me to be able to buy crate free pork at Costco. That's why it is so disappointing that Costco's latest update to its animal welfare statement gives permission to suppliers to use crates. Confining an animal in a cage so small it cannot turn around for days or weeks at a time is never acceptable.   (Remember to always be polite in your communications)

We think it's time for retailers who profit from these animals to demand that their suppliers operate more humane operations!

For the Animals,

Crate Free USA