Ryan Gosling pens letter urging Costco to sell cage-free eggs

TORONTO — Canadian actor Ryan Gosling is standing up for chickens.

In an open letter Monday, the Ontario-born star urged the CEO of Costco Wholesale Corporation to stop selling eggs from caged chickens.

“It is appalling that Costco has been selling these eggs with deceptive labeling on cartons featuring graphics of birds living out in a green pasture,” Gosling wrote to Craig Jelinek.

“You’re already eliminating cages for veal calves and pigs — don’t you feel that chickens also deserve the same mercy?”

Gosling wrote that he hopes Costco “will set plans now to go completely cage-free for its eggs.”

Earlier this month, an undercover investigation by the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) revealed alleged animal mistreatment at a Costco supplier.

“Birds crammed into cages so tightly that they’re unable even to spread their wings,” said Paul Shapiro of the HSUS in a video posted on YouTube. “Caught in the wires of their cages unable to access water just inches from it. Many birds die in their cages and they’re left there to rot.”

In his letter, Gosling said the disturbing video footage “revealed abhorrent cruelty.”

The HSUS said Costco promised to go cage-free eight years ago but hasn’t — and has not set a deadline to do so.

Costco has not yet responded publicly.