<h1>Foie Gras Cruelty</h1>

Conduct a Google image search for the term "Foie Gras" and the top two rows of results will display just as many images of pate elegantly placed upon a gleaming white plate as they will images of insufferable cruelty against the animals from which this so-called "delicacy" is harvested.

Foie gras (literally translated from French to English as the "fatty liver"), is the result of force-feeding ducks and geese through long metal pipes, which are violently shoved down their throats, causing their livers to expand and rendering them immobile. Not to worry, because only 12-18 days after this process, the birds are slaughtered and their fatty livers served up for the enjoyment of restaurant diners across the world. What’s poor quality of life if only momentary?

Foie gras has caused much controversy and is back in the news again. This time in today's edition of The New York Times. The article, "In California, Going All Out to Bid Adieu to Foie Gras," reminds readers that in eight months, the sale of foie gras in California will become illegal. This law was voted into place by the majority of the state's citizens. In backlash to the law, a group of chefs and restauranteurs recently hosted a dinner in which all eight courses contained foie gras.

The author of the The New York Times article attempts to share both sides of the foie gras controversy, but fails when he ends up comparing the impending foie gras ban to the Prohibition era. This is an unfair comparison as the prohibition of alcohol in the 1920s had nothing to do with the unnatural suffering inflicted by humans on other living creatures -- completely different controversy.

People who see no wrong in the production of foie gras argue that the birds like to be fed.  While many disagree, this is beyond the point.  Regardless of whether or not the birds approach the feeders for food, the end result is that their bodies become deformed to the point of incapacitation.

Proponents of foie gras production also see a slippery slope in regard to being told what they can and cannot eat.  This is also beyond the point. Many meat eaters today would agree that factory farms are inhumane, and are in support of more humane farming.  There should be no fear here on the part of carnivorous diners that ending the abuse of animals on foie gras farms will instantly dictate that they no longer eat meat. It is simply a step toward a more humane culture.

Foie gras, which was originally a French delicacy, is a big part of some European cultures. Yet, the sale of foie gras has been banned in over a dozen European countries. Why? Because it is cruel. The fact is that, in addition to the suffering that occurs when a bird’s liver expands to 10 times its body weight, birds on foie gras farms are crammed into small cages and often have their throats punctured during the force-feeding process.

If foie gras has been banned in many European countries for its unequivocal cruelty, then why not in the US?  Still unsure as to whether your state should partake in the sale of this unnecessary item? Watch this video and decide for yourself:



Sir Roger Moore (aka James Bond) narrates the Animal Protection & Rescue League's animal cruelty investigation of the "foie gras" industry in the U.S. and in France. For more information and to get involved, visit www.StopForceFeeding.com.