Animal Equality holds press conference following arrest of nine activists at Kroger protest
On September 24, 2026, Animal Equality held a press conference at its new Cincinnati office, immediately after nine activists were arrested outside Kroger’s headquarters while asking Kroger to meet with the organization.
After their release, Animal Equality President Sharon Núñez joined the arrested activists to address Kroger’s refusal to meet and call on the company to fulfill its cage-free commitment.
Members of the media attended the press conference, including WCPO 9 News, which aired a segment on it later that day.
In the days following the arrests, coverage generated over 70 TV news mentions, 30 articles, and more than 2 million estimated views.
Since May, activists have protested daily outside Kroger’s Cincinnati headquarters, demanding the company fulfill its cage-free commitment. Protests have spread to Spain, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and the United Kingdom, and thousands of people have written to Kroger.
Despite months of growing pressure, Kroger still has not agreed to meet with Animal Equality to establish a path toward fulfilling its cage-free commitment.
After repeated attempts to secure a meeting failed, Animal Equality decided to escalate the campaign through peaceful civil disobedience. Eight activists chained themselves to one of Kroger’s entrances. Nine were arrested.
Following the arrests, Kroger released a statement claiming it has “met with and listened to leaders of this pressure campaign.” Animal Equality disputes this claim.
Kroger lies when it says it has met with Animal Equality campaign leaders. It has not met with Animal Equality to discuss how it plans to move forward to end cages for hens. That is the meeting we are asking for.” – Sharon Núñez, President of Animal Equality
The organization is asking for a meeting with Kroger decision-makers to establish a reasonable plan and timeline to fulfill the commitment Kroger made to its customers in 2016.
Why nine activists risked arrest at Kroger’s headquarters
Zachary Jordan was among the eight activists who chained themselves to one of Kroger’s entrances on September 23.
“I did not want to be arrested. None of us did. I did not want to be dragged by the police and spend hours in jail. But I knew that it had to be done,” said Jordan.
Hens used for eggs can spend their lives confined in cages so restrictive they cannot properly walk, spread their wings, or express some of their most basic natural behaviors. Kroger knows about this suffering. And they know that it is deeply wrong, because over 10 years ago they made a promise to phase these cruel cages out of their supply line.” – Zachary Jordan, Animal Equality activist
Ruby Kincannon, another activist who chained themselves to Kroger’s entrance and was arrested, also spoke at the press conference.
I was there peacefully, I chained myself to the door peacefully, I remained there for two hours and I was arrested. I am shocked that Kroger has not reached out for a simple conversation. I can’t imagine why they would not want to speak with us.” – Ruby Kincannon, Animal Equality activist
Evelyn Rhynedance, an activist who was also arrested, spoke about the decision to take part in the demonstration.
A few hours under arrest seems like nothing compared to an entire life in a cage. That is what Kroger puts hens through. And they know it is wrong because they said they would end it.” – Evelyn Rhynedance, Animal Equality activist
Animal Equality’s demands for Kroger’s cage-free commitment
Kroger publicly committed to transitioning to 100% cage-free eggs by 2025. That commitment has not been fulfilled. Hens in Kroger’s egg supply remain confined in wire cages, unable to walk freely, spread their wings, or perform basic natural behaviors.
Animal Equality is asking Kroger leadership to sit down, establish a clear path to fulfilling its cage-free commitment, and end the extreme confinement of millions of hens.
Tell Kroger’s CEO it is time to meet.
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