Domino’s Says It’s Best to Be ‘Deaf’ to Concerns About Human Health and Animal Welfare. Really?!

The times are certainly changing! Meat and dairy based products are soon to be a thing of the past, with plant-based alternatives saturating the market.

While just ten years ago, drinking plant-based milk was mostly associated with health food co-ops, the industry is now booming with varieties like soy, coconut, hemp, quinoa, and of course, almond milk (which has a market worth of $895 million alone). Not only that, but a recent report by global market research firm Mintel shows that more people than ever are open to trying meatless burgers, a trend that is being driven largely by Millennials; 64 percent have tried meatless burgers versus 28 percent of Baby Boomers. Even President Obama thinks we should eat less meat.

Sounds like the way to go is plant-based! But for some reason, pizza chain Domino’s doesn’t agree … and will soon be left in the dust if they don’t evolve. Animal rights groups have successfully pressured many top food companies and restaurant chains to adopt stricter animal welfare policies, such as cage-free eggs and gestation stall-free pork – some have even ditched animal products altogether. But Domino’s won’t budge, calling animal activists, “extremists.” Domino’s Pizza spokesman Tim McIntyre explained to Brownfield Ag News, “The best answer is to be deaf. To not hear them, to not respond, to not give them a platform. The biggest mistake we make is believing that they are reasonable people. We’ve learned they’re not. That’s why they’re called extremists.”

What!? Concerned citizens are “extreme” for caring about the welfare of animals and their health? These simple animal welfare moves would reduce the suffering of millions of animals, not to mention the rampant health concerns when animals are raised in poor and unsanitary conditions. Now more than ever, consumers are paying attention to what’s in their food, where it comes from, and shopping with their values. Domino’s needs to stop alienating future deciders of the food industry!

If you agree that Domino’s should stop hurting their business and instead adopt more humane and healthy supply chains, and even consider adding a meat and dairy-free option to their menu, please sign this Care2 petition, which will be delivered to Domino’s for its board’s consideration as they make decisions for the company’s future.

Lead image source: hoveringdog/Flickr