Fighting Foie Gras Cruelty in New York |
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July 1, 2008
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©GourmetCruelty.com |
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This force-fed duck died at New York's Hudson Valley Foie Gras plant. |
Foie gras has a well-deserved infamy. The Pope and Pat Buchanan have condemned its cruelty, Wolfgang Puck wants nothing to do with it and California and more than a dozen countries have banned its production.
NYC Resolution Stands up for Humane Treatment
New York City Councilmember Tony Avella is throwing his support behind a senate bill that would prohibit its production in his state—which is home to two of the three remaining domestic foie gras factory farms.
On June 11th, The HSUS and other animal protection groups joined Councilmember Tony Avella for a press conference at City Hall—one announcing a resolution supporting S.B.1463, Frank Padavan's senate bill that makes it unlawful to force-feed a bird for the purpose of fatty enlargement of the bird's liver.
Cruelty, Any Way You Slice It
In order to create this table treat, factory farm workers jam pipes down ducks' throats multiple times a day, often causing bruising, lacerations and sores. The animals' livers can swell to more than 10 times their natural size, causing pain, blood toxicity, suffocation and even organ rupture.
Councilmember Avella stated, "The practice of force feeding birds in order to produce foie gras is simply cruel and inhumane. More often than not this tortuous practice involves utilizing a metal tube for forcibly feed birds, typically ducks or geese, with excessive amounts of food for a period of several weeks, which essentially induces liver damage and a tremendous amount of pain. The abolition of this practice is long overdue and must be done immediately."
Time for a Ban
"No animal—whether a dog, cat, bird or cow—should have to endure extensive force-feeding by having a pipe shoved down his throat," said HSUS New York state director Patrick Kwan." Senate Bill S1463 will close the loophole that allows force-feeding for foie gras production, and Councilmember Tony Avella's resolution will help send a loud and clear message to Albany that New Yorkers do not tolerate this extreme cruelty."
Given the extreme cruelty inherent in its production, the dozens of restaurants that are removing foie gras from their menus, and the laundry list of environmental offenses that foie gras factory farms create, it's time to wipe the cruelty off the cracker.
What You Can Do
If you live in New York, ask your state senator to support S.B.1463.
Order free wallet-sized cards to give to restaurants and urge them to remove foie gras from their menus.
Related Links
Force-Fed Abuse
Foie Gras Production in New York: Your Questions Answered
HSUS Sues to Block Foie Gras Production in New York
New York Foie Gras Farms Challenged
The HSUS and Delaware Riverkeeper Network Fight Water Pollution from Foie Gras Factory Farm
