The Humane League Marks 20 Years of Animal Welfare Progress
Global nonprofit recognizes substantial advancements for animals in agriculture—nearly half of US hens are now housed cage-free.
In a remarkable celebration of twenty years dedicated to transforming the conditions of farm animals, The Humane League (THL) has achieved significant milestones that highlight its commitment to ending animal cruelty in the food industry. Upon its inception in 2005, THL embarked on a vital mission that has led to widespread changes in the treatment of animals raised for food, identifying key areas for reform and advocating for better practices.
Celebrating Achievements Over Two Decades
Two decades ago, a shocking 98% of egg-laying hens in the US were confined in cages smaller than a standard piece of notebook paper. Today, impressive progress has been made, with nearly 46% of hens now living cage-free. This positive shift means that over 136 million hens have been liberated from cages, marking a historic reduction in the use of battery cages across the nation.
This remarkable progress has not gone unnoticed, as Animal Charity Evaluators (ACE) has honored The Humane League with the title of Top Recommended Charity for every evaluation period since 2014—a remarkable feat, considering it is the only organization to achieve such recognition. These accolades reflect the effectiveness of THL's campaigns and its commitment to researching the best practices in animal welfare.
Influencing Major Corporations
THL's impactful corporate outreach efforts have resulted in more than 2,600 major food companies—from McDonald's to Nestlé—committing to end the use of battery cages. Of these, over 1,100 companies have already achieved their cage-free commitments, demonstrating that consumer demand for humane options continues to drive significant changes within the food system.
"The Humane League's mission has never been more urgent or achievable than it is today," expressed Dan Shannon, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of The Humane League. "With two decades of transformative change behind us, I am excited to lead our talented team and global partners into the next chapter, aiming for a world free from factory farming's cruelties."
Expanding Global Reach and Collaboration
The Humane League started as a grassroots initiative in Philadelphia and has grown into a leading global voice for animal protection. Its creation of the Open Wing Alliance in 2016 united 84 organizations across 72 countries, establishing a formidable coalition that advocates for cage-free standards worldwide. This influential alliance has helped drive the shift toward humane animal husbandry practices.
In the United States, the Animal Policy Alliance was launched in 2024, bringing together 31 organizations from 20 states to champion laws that safeguard farm animals. Due to their collaborative efforts alongside public support, 11 states have enacted regulations limiting cage use, with several, including California and Massachusetts, banning the production or sale of eggs from caged hens.
Driving Change Through Public Awareness
"When people learn about the realities of factory farming, they feel compelled to act," Shannon stated. "The surge in public awareness and corporate accountability is instrumental in instigating these historic changes. A humane food system is no longer a distant vision; it is becoming a reality. The future of food indeed begins with choosing cage-free options."
Looking Ahead: A Vision for Change
To explore Dan Shannon's vision for the future of The Humane League, interested individuals can find additional information on their dedicated platforms. Learning about the organization’s two decades of efforts in advocating for animal welfare emphasizes the collective action required to create lasting change.
About The Humane League
The Humane League stands at the forefront of the global movement to protect animals raised for food. Since its establishment, the organization has made it its mission to end the extreme abuses present in factory farming. Their efforts have secured significant animal welfare commitments from major stakeholders in the food supply chain, transforming the lives of billions of animals worldwide.
MEDIA CONTACT
Katie Wagner
Senior Director, Public Relations
1 (513) 260-2700
www.thehumaneleague.org
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Humane League?
The Humane League is a global nonprofit focused on eliminating the abuse of farm animals through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
How has The Humane League impacted agricultural practices?
Through strategic campaigns, The Humane League has successfully influenced over 2,600 food corporations to adopt cage-free practices.
Who is the new CEO of The Humane League?
Dan Shannon is the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer, bringing a vision for impactful change in animal welfare.
What recognition has The Humane League received?
Animal Charity Evaluators has recognized The Humane League as a Top Recommended Charity since 2014.
How has consumer demand influenced THL's initiatives?
Consumer awareness and demand for humane products have significantly accelerated positive changes in food production standards.
