Recently, we testified at a hearing on Intro 1378, a bill that would ban the selling of foie gras in New York City, New York. Supporters of the foie gras industry showed up, but they were outnumbered by animal advocates who came out in force to give its victims a voice.

Foie gras is the diseased liver of a duck or goose that is produced by force feeding the birds large quantities of grain. Force feeding causes them physical pain and makes their livers grow up to ten times their natural size which impedes blood flow and makes it difficult for them to breathe.

A number of the presiding city council members issued strong condemnations of foie gras and asked the industry’s proponents difficult questions about how they could justify inflicting such intense torture on animals for an unnecessary luxury product.

“I just can’t believe how we can be so cruel. A luxury item like foie gras is just ridiculous. If you look at the photos, it just makes you so sad. This has to be stopped, and it has to be stopped now!” Robert Holden, New York City Council Member.

The state of California and over a dozen countries have already banned foie gras and we look forward to the day when New York City does the same by passing Intro 1378.

What You Can Do

1. Foie gras is the epitome of farmed animal abuse, but all farmed animals suffer greatly on farms that produce meat, dairy and eggs. We can all help reduce this suffering by transitioning to a plant-based diet. Learn how and where to begin by downloading our free and simple starter guide today:

idausa.org/VegGuide

2. If you are a resident of New York City please contact your city council member and ask for co-sponsorship of Intro 1378. Click here to find contact information.