We, the undersigned group of over 50 nonprofit organizations, with significant membership in New York City, respectfully urge support for Intro 1378, introduced by Council Member Carlina Rivera. This legislation would prohibit the sale of “force-fed” foie gras in New York City and uphold humane standards by protecting animals that suffer as a result of the inhumane foie gras industry.
“Foie gras” is produced by inserting a 10- to 12-inch metal or plastic tube into a duck or goose’s esophagus, and rapidly delivering huge amounts of concentrated grain, fat, and compressed air into the bird via a pneumatic or hydraulic pump. This process is repeated up to three times a day for several weeks until the liver becomes diseased and grows up to 10 times its natural size before the bird is slaughtered. This forced-feeding causes extreme pain and suffering. The sale and production of foie gras is banned in the State of California and also prohibited in several countries, including Germany, Italy, Norway, Poland, Turkey, Israel, and India. The U.K. has outlawed the production of foie gras.
Council Member Carlina Rivera has introduced a common-sense bill that would end the unnecessary suffering by prohibiting the sale of products from force-fed birds in New York City. We applaud the City’s commitment in recent years to protecting sharks from the shark fin industry, puppies from puppy mills, and wild animals from circuses. We strongly support New York City joining dozens of countries, the State of California, and many prominent retailers in prohibiting the sale of foie gras from force-fed birds.
Sincerely,
Animal Protection And Rescue League
Humane Society of New York
Compassion in World Farming
The Humane League
Animal Equality
PETA
Farm Forward
Animal Defenders International
Wild Bird Fund
Jewish Veg
The Shamayim V'Aretz Institute
Animal Welfare Institute
Mayor’s Alliance For NYC’s Animals
Better Food Foundation
Encompass
Lady Freethinker
FOUR PAWS International
St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center
Animal Connection
V for Veganism
HEART
Vegans of New York
Compassionate Action for Animals
Avian Welfare Coalition
The Land and Sea Institute
Conservative Animal Welfare Foundation
Coexistence of Animal Rights on Earth
Friends of Animals
The Humane Society of the United States
Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association
Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine
In Defense of Animals
Catskill Animal Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary
Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary
Barn Sanctuary
Tamerlaine Farm Animal Sanctuary
Factory Farming Awareness Coalition
Mercy For Animals
Their Turn
Compassion Over Killing
Animal Haven
Jewish Initiative for Animals
Last Chance for Animals
NYS Humane Association
The New York City Vegetarian & Vegan Meetup
Gentle Barn
Direct Action Everywhere
Anonymous for the Voiceless
Vegan Outreach
Albert Schweitzer Foundation
South Fork Foundation
Viva!
NYU SALDF
NYC Hip Hop Is Green
World Animal Protection