Media Release
23 February 2009
University of Wollongong pledge great news for battery hens
Free range eggs will now be on the menus at the University of Wollongong as a
result of their main food outlets and caterers taking a stand against cruel battery egg
production.
A student initiative, led by Hala Sattouf and Michael Rosalky, has resulted in the University’s
food provision managers Unicentre, which runs the campus food outlets and International
House student accommodation, committing to only provide free-range eggs.
Animals Australia Executive Director Glenys Oogjes said,
“This is tremendous news. All credit to the students for bringing the cruelty inherent to
battery hen systems to the attention of their food providers – and we applaud these outlets
for committing to support more humane methods of egg production.”
“Australia’s politicians have ignored the plight of battery hens, so it is all the more important
that Australia’s students are leading the way to reduce such cruelty.”
The student group UOW Free Range Egg Initiative were inspired by the 2007 decision of
University of Newcastle to have its campus catering go ‘cage free’. UOW now join
Newcastle Uni and some 350 University campuses in the USA who have gone ‘cage free’ in
recent years.
Spokesperson Hala Sattouf said today,
“We are thrilled that our letters and information provided to the University food outlet has
changed their buying policies. Now thousands of students at UOW will be part of an
international movement to free battery hens.”
“Most people didn’t seem to know that it was still legal to keep hens continually in tiny all
wire cages, so our main task was to raise awareness. People want to be kind, and I think it
is just ignorance that leads to people continuing to buy battery eggs and supporting cruel
industries.”
Media Comment:
UOW Student
-
Hala Sattouf:
040 415 2604
Animals Australia
-
Glenys Oogjes:
041 431 2552
Note: UOW ‘Students Against Animal Cruelty’ (an ongoing campaign to expose other animal welfare
issues) will hold an information stall this week during the UOW Orientation Week activities - photo
opportunities available.
Animals Australia Inc. Ph. 03 9329 6333 Office:
37 O’Connell Street, North Melbourne
3051
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