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VAUGHAN, ON, March 17, 2017 /CNW/ - Cara continues to believe strongly in the humane treatment of animals, including the humane treatment of broiler chickens, and the ongoing evolution of these practices.  Cara is also a strong supporter of Canada's farm community and the approximately 2800 chicken farmers from coast to coast of which the vast majority are family owned and operated.  Presently, Cara partners with chicken farmers in all 10 Provinces across Canada.

With this in mind today, Cara is proud to announce that it will continue to work with its suppliers to evolve animal welfare beyond current standards.  Cara has begun working with its suppliers to adopt Controlled Atmosphere Stunning.  Cara has committed to have its suppliers begin the conversion to this humane method by 2020, with a vast majority of its suppliers completed by 2022 with the rest to follow thereafter.

An example of Cara's ongoing commitment to humane treatment of animals occurred in February 2016 when Cara announced that a number of its restaurant brands switched to cage free eggs in 2016 and all of its restaurant brands would do so by 2020.

The chicken industry in Canada is regulated by Chicken Farmers of Canada.  There is one national standard for animal care and one for food safety; both are mandatory for all chicken farmers in Canada. 

Chickens in Canada are raised without hormones or steroids, and broiler chickens are not caged.

A new code for animal care practice was finalized in June 2016 in partnership with the National Farm Animal Care Council.  This partnership included farmers, veterinarians, processors, the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies, World Animal Protection Canada, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and Agriculture Canada.

The animal care code of practice was developed through a process that included a public consultation period whereby all Canadians had the opportunity to contribute to the final code.

Chicken Farmers of Canada continues to fund animal care research with a view to evolving the recently adopted animal care code of practice.

Cara is excited to announce this initiative that goes beyond the current standard and will continue to work with various associations and regulatory bodies to continue to evolve animal welfare in Canada.

About CARA

Founded in 1883, Cara is Canada's oldest and largest full-service restaurant company.  The Company franchises and/or operates some of the most recognized brands in the country including Swiss Chalet, Harvey's, St-Hubert, Milestones, Montana's, Kelsey's, East Side Mario's, Casey's, New York Fries, Prime Pubs, Original Joe's, State & Main, Elephant & Castle, Bier Markt and Landing restaurants.  As at December 25, 2016, Cara had 1,237 restaurants, 1,183 of which were located in Canada and the remaining 54 locations were located internationally.  83% of Cara's restaurants are operated by franchisees and 55% of Cara's locations are based in Ontario.  Cara's shares trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol CARA.TO.  More information about the Company is available at www.cara.com.

SOURCE Cara Operations Limited