Carl’s Jr., Hardee’s parent CKE to nix cramped pig crates by 2022

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s parent CKE Restaurants Inc. is joining the pig rights parade, promising to free its pork supply system of cramped gestation crates by 2022.

The Carpinteria company began implementing better conditions for its hogs five years ago, the Humane Society of the U.S. said Friday. But over the next decade, the fast food giant will completely stop its practice of cramming pregnant pigs into tiny cages.

The decision will affect the meat supply going into CKE’s more than 3,000 locations, whose menus often heavily feature bacon.

Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s will join other chains such as McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, Denny’s and Safeway, which have rejected gestation crates since the beginning of the year. Pork producers such as Smithfield Foods and Hormel have committed to abandoning the practice by 2017.

Nine states have banned such living conditions for sows, according to HSUS.

It could be a savvy move for CKE, which is preparing for an IPO. The company has become part of the marketing juggernaut for the blockbuster film “The Amazing Spider-Man” and also signed Internet favorite Kate Upton as a spokesmodel.

ALSO:

Spam maker Hormel to treat its pigs better

Burger King promises to use cage-free eggs. pork

McDonald’s wants better treatment for pregnant pigs

Follow Tiffany Hsu on Twitter and Google+