WSPA applauds Sobeys and Chef Jamie Oliver for progressive steps for animal welfare

Canada's second largest grocery chain becomes the first major retailer to introduce Certified Humane ® meat.

TORONTO, Sept. 14, 2013 /CNW/ - The World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) applauds Sobeys, in partnership with Chef Jamie Oliver, for being the first major retailer to offer Certified Humane ® chicken, pork and beef across Canada.

"Canadians want to buy meat from animals that are raised, transported and slaughtered humanely," says WSPA Canada Executive Director Josey Kitson. "This decision means consumers will be able to buy chicken, pork and beef that come from farms meeting Certified Humane ® standards in Sobeys' stores across Canada" she says.

The standards were developed by a team of veterinarians and animal welfare scientists that included Dr. Michael Appelby, WSPA's Chief Scientific Advisor. Under these standards, animals cannot be kept in cages, crates or tethered and they cannot be given antibiotics for growth promotion. There are also standards for transport and slaughter.

"Sobeys announcement marks yet another important step in addressing Canadian consumers' concerns about how their food is produced," says Kitson.

About the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA): At the World Society for the Protection of Animals we have worked to expose animal cruelty and prevent animal suffering for more than 30 years.  Working with individuals, organizations and governments across the globe, our campaign work ranges from putting animals at the heart of farming to protecting animals in disasters.  Consultative status with the United Nations means we have a unique international platform to prove that the lives of animals are inextricably linked to our own, and now more than ever is the time to stop their suffering.   For more information, visit us at www.wspa.ca; follow us on Twitter or 'Like' us on Facebook.

SOURCE: World Society for the Protection of Animals

For more information and interviews please contact:

Elizabeth Sharpe, WSPA Communications Manager, [email protected], 416-369-0044 x111