Last month, Animal Equality’s Legal Advocacy Counsel, Sarah Hanneken, had the opportunity to speak in front of the Portland City Council about the need for a ban on foie gras. This is a continuation of our efforts to end the sale of the inhumane animal product in Portland since launching a campaign back in December 2021.
As reported by Willamette Week, there have been around 43 people who have delivered speeches in front of City Council against the sale of foie gras. No one has spoken out in favor.
What is Foie Gras?
Foie gras directly translates to “fatty liver.” It is considered a “delicacy” in upscale markets and restaurants. However, the production of this animal product is one of the most controversial practices in animal agriculture.
Foot-long tubes are shoved down the throats of ducks and geese, who are then force-fed large amounts of grain, fat and compressed air. The animals endure this process three times a day until their liver becomes diseased at 10 times its normal size. They are then slaughtered at only 15 weeks old.
This inhumane process causes serious health consequences to the animals. Many experience damage to their esophagus and liver, have difficulty breathing, standing and walking, and even have cardiac or renal failure. The mortality rate of force-fed ducks and geese is 20 times higher than non-force-fed birds.
Animal Equality’s Campaign Against Foie Gras
Animal Equality has been denouncing the practice of force-feeding ducks and geese for the sake of “delicacy” for many years. We released our first investigation inside the French foie gras industry in 2011, followed by years of force-feeding investigations in Spain, Italy and Germany.
The images from the investigations directly resulted in progress to ban the cruel practice:
- November 2012—the largest supermarket chain in Italy, COOP, ends the sale of foie gras.
- December 2012—The third-best restaurant in the world, Mugaritz, is fined for using foie-gras coming from illegal farms.
- August 2014—India bans the importation of foie gras
- December 2014—Animal Equality investigates German duck farms and the country’s largest suppliers are forced to close for several months
- November 2018—Animal Equality is joined by actor and animal advocate Peter Egan to deliver 100,000 signatures demanding a UK foie gras import ban to Prime Minister Theresa May. Several restaurants drop foie gras from their menus.
By February 2022, Animal Equality decided to launch a campaign in the United States for a nationwide ban. Foie gras remains legal in 49 out of the 50 states. California is the only state to have banned the cruel practice. Nearly 58,000 US supporters have signed their names against foie gras.
Fighting for A Foie Gras Ban in Portland
Animal Equality is focusing on state and local legislation on our way to a nationwide ban.
Our Legal Advocacy Counsel and Portland lawyer, Sarah Hanneken decided to take on legislature close to home in Portland. Sarah has drafted an enforcement solution and ordinance proposal for the City to make the decision even easier.
Animal Equality will continue our efforts to convince City Council to introduce and pass a ban on foie gras.
How You Can Help
You, too, can denounce the sale of foie gras in the United States. This unnecessary “delicacy” is inhumane and causes immense suffering to animals. Add your voice against this cruelty by signing our US petition to ban foie gras nationwide.
The best way to end the suffering of animals in our food system is by leaving them off your plates. Compassionate, plant-based alternatives to meat, dairy and eggs are more accessible and delicious than ever! Get inspired on LoveVeg.com!