Dear Editor:
The California legislators who recently voted to prohibit
force-feeding ducks and geese to produce foie gras are to be
applauded.
Dear Editor:
The California legislators who recently voted to prohibit force-feeding ducks and geese to produce foie gras are to be applauded.
Foie gras “farmers” force large metal pipes down ducks or geese’ throats two or three times a day and pump them full of so much grain that their stomachs sometimes rupture and their necks are bruised or even ripped open. The birds’ livers become so engorged that they can grow to more than 10 times their normal size. The birds often have difficulty standing, and many tear out their own feathers and attack one another as a result of stress. To prevent this, foie gras producers sometimes cut off the birds’ beak tips.
Because of the extreme cruelty, Germany and other European nations prohibit the production of foie gras, and force-feeding birds is “discouraged” in the United Kingdom and in Switzerland. The Israeli Supreme Court recently ruled that foie gras production violates the country’s cruelty-to-animals laws and could be banned by 2005.
It’s wonderful that California is also taking steps to ban the so-called “delicacy.” It’s easy for chefs to create memorable meals without torturing animals. Concerned individuals can visit GoVeg.com for more information.
Heather Moore,
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
Submitted Monday, May 3 to ed****@****ic.com
