On August 22, 2006 – Chicago became the first U.S. city to enact a humane ordinance to end the sale of foie gras. Farm Sanctuary congratulates the Chicago City Council for setting this historic precedent, which was supported by humane organizations, restaurants, farmers, and thousands of Chicago citizens.
To make foie gras (translated from French as "fatty liver"), ducks and geese are force fed with a pipe that is shoved down their throats. The force feeding causes the birds' livers to expand up to ten times their normal size, causing liver disease. As their livers become engorged, the birds have difficulty walking and even breathing, and many die before reaching slaughter.
"This ordinance is a great example of a law coming into effect that codifies societal values," said Gene Bauston, president of Farm Sanctuary. "We do not accept animal cruelty, and foie gras is a product of extreme and intolerable abuse. Chicago has made an important statement, which will be felt around the U.S."
In addition to Charlie Trotter's, other local establishments that have taken a position against the cruelty of foie gras include: Basil's Bar & Café at the Talbott Hotel; Chicago Chop House; and Michael Altenberg's Bistro Campagne in Lincoln Square. Michael Altenberg testified in support of the foie gras sale ban before the Chicago City Council.
A Zogby poll conducted in September 2005 revealed that 79 percent of likely voters in Illinois agree that foie gras production should be banned in the state. In 2004, California passed the only U.S. law to end the production and sale of foie gras, which goes into effect in 2012. Similar bills have been introduced in Illinois, Massachusetts, Oregon, Washington, Hawaii and New York. Other states and cities, including Philadelphia, are expected to take up the issue in the coming months. More than a dozen nations already have laws prohibiting foie gras production on ethical grounds.
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