Chicago's Historic Foie Gras Ordinance in Danger

May 29, 2007

	©Bryan Harrell
	Animal advocates and city officials speak out against foie gras.

In April 2006, the Chicago City Council took a bold position in favor of the humane treatment of animals when it voted overwhelmingly 48–1 to ban the sale of foie gras in the city. But the council may soon be voting again on the issue—this time on a bill to bring this form of animal cruelty back to Chicago.

The Illinois Restaurant Association, whose new leader is Mayor Richard Daley's former chief of staff, is lobbying hard to persuade the city council to flip flop and repeal the ban. The City Council could vote on the repeal as early as June 13, and The HSUS is urging aldermen to protect this humane ordinance.

The HSUS and Supporters Fight Back

There are more than 63,000 HSUS supporters in Chicago, and The HSUS is asking them to call their aldermen and urge them to protect the ban. On May 21, The HSUS placed full-page ads [PDF] in the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times in support of the ban.

On May 23, The HSUS also held a rally and press conference at Chicago City Hall, which was attended by scores of supporters and numerous media outlets. Speakers included Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward), the principal sponsor of the humane ordinance, and Paul Shapiro, director of The HSUS' Factory Farming Campaign.

"Our city is better for taking a stance against cruelty to animals," said Moore, the principal sponsor of the ordinance. "We made the case for compassion and human decency. Now, let's move on to other pressing matters."

What You Can Do

If you live in Chicago, don't let the foie gras industry force-feed you their viewpoint. Ask your Alderman to stand firm against the cruelty of foie gras, and urge friends and family in Chicago to take action, too.

See the Video

Foie Gras

Related Links

Force-Fed Abuse

Chicago Won’t Swallow Foie Gras Cruelty