Dear Congressman,

Despite the United States’ reputation as a world leader, this nation continues to support appalling cruelty in the name of culinary delicacy.  Foie gras is produced through the frequent force feeding of defenseless ducks and geese until the birds’ livers become diseased and swollen.  Licensed veterinarians who have performed autopsies on these birds conclude that they suffer greatly.  Birds destined to be served as foie gras are kept in small pens and force fed at least twice daily.  Force feeding involves shoving a metal or plastic tube down the esophagus of the birds, and pumping large amounts of high calorie substances into their systems until the birds are at a bursting point.  Indeed, some birds die excruciating deaths during feeding because their stomachs rupture.  This practice causes the birds’ livers to swell to up to ten times their normal size.  The birds are entirely conscious during the force feedings and during the after effects. 

The force feeding of birds is barbaric and unnecessary. In the face of this appalling cruelty, jurisdictions across the world have taken steps to ban the sale and production of foie gras.  Chicago became the first United States city to ban the sale of foie gras, effective August 22, 2006.  California’s ban on force-feeding will go into effect in 2012.  Over twelve foreign nations, including Argentina, Ireland, and Italy, have imposed various forms of national bans on foie gras.

Please support legislation in your state banning the force feeding of water fowl. Please become a leader in your home state by helping to eradicate this cruel and inhumane practice.

Sincerely,