Coalition Statement Of Support For Intro 1378, A Bill To Prohibit The Sale Of Foie Gras From Force-Fed Birds In New York City

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,

Voters For Animal Rights

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