Seven activists arrested at Ahold Delhaize HQ for caged hens
Animal Equality activists arrested after chaining themselves to Ahold Delhaize headquarters, demanding the company end cages for hens.
Seven activists were arrested today after chaining themselves to Ahold Delhaize’s global headquarters in Zaandam in the Netherlands, demanding the company honours its decade-old commitment to remove cages from its hen supply chain.
The protesters – who travelled from Italy, the UK, Portugal, and Spain – chained themselves to the building in freezing conditions. Some secured chains around their necks, while others used chainsaws to lock themselves in place. All seven were arrested by authorities.
Once again, we have been arrested for the animals. These are the lengths we’ll go to, because we have these animals’ best interests at heart. We will not go away and will continue to return until Ahold Delhaize stops delaying and finally removes cages from its supply chain.” – Ombretta Alessandrini, Campaigns Manager at Animal Equality
The third civil disobedience action
Escalating protests amid restrictions
This marks the third civil disobedience protest against Ahold Delhaize, following months of what activists describe as repression and restrictive measures that have prevented them from fully exercising their right to protest. Animal Equality has challenged these restrictions in court while continuing to pressure the company.
The action drew support from Melchior Mattens, a municipal councillor in Zaanstad, the Netherlands, who attended to observe the demonstration.
They did not deliver on their promise; they are shifting it forward in time. I am very happy that all these people come here and demonstrate time after time to tell Ahold that what they’re doing is wrong, it’s immoral and they should stop with it. And if Animal Equality is not coming here to tell Ahold, no one’s coming here to tell them that it’s immoral what they’re doing.” – Melchior Mattens, Municipal Councillor, Zaanstad
Why activists risk arrest for hens
A decade-old broken promise
Ahold Delhaize publicly committed years ago to transition to a cage-free supply chain, yet the company has repeatedly delayed implementation without providing a transparent roadmap. Every day of delay means hens remain confined in cramped wire battery cages, unable to express natural behaviours or escape extreme suffering.
Animal Equality continues its global campaign urging CEO Frans Muller and company leadership to release a credible, time-bound plan to end the use of cages. The organisation is active in the US at Ahold Delhaize banner stores and in the Netherlands to reach decision-makers directly.
Pressure will continue to escalate
Animal Equality has made clear that today’s arrests will not deter future actions. The organisation vowed to continue returning to Ahold Delhaize’s headquarters and other strategic locations until the company fulfils its cage-free commitment.
Global peaceful demonstrations will intensify until Ahold Delhaize releases a concrete transition plan and keeps its word to hens and to its customers.
Take action with every meal
It’s important to remember that cage-free doesn’t mean cruelty-free. With so many delicious egg alternatives available nowadays, there’s no reason to confine hens in cages, nor in sheds. Every plant-based choice is a choice for animals and a stand against factory farming. Love Veg makes it effortless with easy recipes, practical tips, and inspiration to help you make a difference.
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protect chickens
Chickens are among the most abused land animals on the planet. But you hold the power to change this! Choose plant-based to protect chickens from a life of suffering.
