Governor Schwarzenegger Signs Bill Banning Force-Feeding of Ducks and Geese

Mill Valley, Calif.– In Defense of Animals (IDA) and the Animal Protection and Rescue League (APRL) applaud Governor Schwarzenegger's heroic stand against animal cruelty demonstrated by his signing SB 1520 into law. The law bans the force-feeding of ducks and geese and the sale of foie gras (fatty liver) in California from force-fed ducks or geese produced anywhere in the world. California's only foie gras producing farm, Sonoma Foie Gras, ended its opposition to the bill when an amendment protected the farm from a lawsuit filed by APRL and IDA alleging the owners violated several sections of the California penal code on animal welfare.

The lawsuit-vital to the passage of the bill-alleged that the force-feeding results in extreme, unmitigated pain and suffering, as well as crippling injuries to the ducks. An APRL investigation of the farm last year revealed ducks too weak and overweight to defend themselves as rats gnawed on their wounds. During the controversial bill's 7½-year phase out period, no such lawsuit may be brought. APRL and IDA commend the passage of the bill, which eliminates the involvement of a court in determining whether force-feeding should be banned. APRL investigator, Kath Rogers stated, "Inside Sonoma Foie Gras we witnessed ducks unable to stand or move and trash cans full of dead ducks with exploded organs." In response to the phase out period, the groups will launch a campaign targeting restaurants that sell foie gras by sending video footage of the recent investigation and holding regular protests that feature graphic images of ducks who died during the violent force-feeding process.

"Force-feeding ducks and geese up to 7 pounds of mash a day for a 'delicacy' causes the animals to suffer from a painful illness that causes their livers to swell up to ten times their normal size. Anyone who eats foie gras is personally responsible for the suffering of these animals. It is up to restaurateurs and consumers to refuse to contribute to this suffering by refusing to eat or serve foie gras," said Elliot M. Katz, DVM, president of IDA.

After the phase out period, the state of California will be added to the list of 15 nations that have banned foie gras production because of its inherent cruelty. Many chefs and restaurants, including Charlie Trotter, Ventura's Deco and San Francisco's Jardinière, have stated that they will no longer serve foie gras after learning of the cruelty required in attaining it.

For more information, please visit www.StopForceFeeding.com. Broadcast quality video of investigations into foie gras farms is available upon request.