PETA's letter to Safeway offering assistance in developing animal welfare guidelines

December 11, 2001

Mr. Steven Burd, CEO
Safeway, Inc.
5918 Stoneridge Mall Rd.
Pleasanton, CA 94588-3229

1 page via fax: 925-467-3230

Dear Mr. Burd:

PETA would like nothing more than to help Safeway develop meaningful animal welfare guidelines—at every turn, we have offered our counsel, assistance, and experts in animal welfare and handling, as well as putting our resources at your disposal to help reduce some of the worst acts of animal abuse carried out by Safeway's suppliers. But unlike the usually positive negotiations, or at least civil and useful exchanges, that PETA has had with other grocery store chains, Safeway has categorically refused a dialogue. Your vice president of public affairs, Brian Dowling, won't even discuss any of the important animal welfare issues that PETA has raised.

During the last 15 months, Safeway's lack of commitment to improving animals' lives has become painfully evident. An investigation into one of Safeway's pig suppliers resulted in the farm manager's being charged with four counts of felonious animal cruelty, yet your company won't return our phone calls to discuss the matter. Also, a November 2001 letter from Brian Dowling indicated that PETA should direct all animal welfare questions to the Food Marketing Institute (FMI). This is a cowardly position to take, since it is Safeway, not the FMI, that dictates how suppliers treat their animals. Mr. Dowling went on to say that PETA should be happy that the FMI is working with Gail Golab of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Mr. Dowling should know that the AVMA has yet to condemn the starving of hens in order to force them to produce more eggs—a horrific abuse that PETA has repeatedly asked your company to prohibit.

Despite all this, PETA is still interested in helping you to forestall a campaign against Safeway. What we are asking for is not revolutionary—animal abuse is universally despised, and all we need is a pledge from Safeway to meet or exceed the animal welfare guidelines adopted by McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's.

We look forward to communicating your reply to our members.

Sincerely,

Sean Gifford
Campaign Coordinator

Cc: Brian Dowling