Starbucks is updating their animal welfare requirements for suppliers. The Seattle-based coffee chain established “buying preferences” in 2009 calling for best practices in animal husbandry from suppliers of dairy, eggs and meat.  The new practices call for:

• Supporting responsible use of antibiotics to support animal health
• Eliminating the use of artificial growth hormones, and for poultry, fast growing practices
• Addressing concerns related to dehorning, tail docking, and castration both with and without anesthesia
• Phasing out gestation crates for pigs and cages for chickens

The company says it will work with the industry on creating reasonable time frames for implementation of the new policies. Starbucks will prioritize compliance with existing local animal welfare laws and regulations and supports the development of global science-based national and international standards and guidelines.