Schwarzenegger Terminates Form of Animal Cruelty
Signs Bill to Ban Force Feeding of Birds to Produce Foie Gras

Sacramento, CA - Demonstrating he truly cares about the welfare of animals, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed SB 1520 into law, a bill that bans the force feeding of ducks and geese in the production of foie gras. The bill also bans the sale of the product when made from force fed birds, both provisions taking effect in California in the year 2012.

The bill, which bans the force feeding of ducks and geese in the production of foie gras, as well as sales of the product in California, is being carried by Senate President Pro-Tem John Burton at the request of AVAR, Farm Sanctuary, Viva!USA, and LA Lawyers for Animals. In order for the bill to pass out of the senate, it was amended to have a 7 1/2 year phase out before the law goes into effect.

Foie gras (or fatty liver) is produced by using a pipe inserted into the esophagus of a duck or goose and force feeding excessive amounts of food several times daily. This practice intentionally causes their livers to swell to up to 10 times normal size. Some restaurants serve the fatty liver as an expensive food item.

Many countries, including Denmark, Norway, Poland, Germany, and Israel, ban the practice because it is considered cruel. In the United States, there are only two producers of foie gras, one in New York and one in California.

Please send a thank you to:

Governor Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
phone: 916-445-2841
fax: 916-445-4633