Foie gras, or “fatty liver,” is produced by force-feeding birds with a tube down their throat until their livers become diseased and unnaturally enlarged—and for its cruelty, it is widely opposed by consumers. In fact, a recent survey across 10 U.S. states found that 89% support banning the force-feeding of ducks and geese and 81% support banning foie gras sales. 

In 2019, our President and Co-founder, Gene Baur, joined hundreds of animal activists to testify in support of New York City’s legislation. “Ducks who have come to Farm Sanctuary after being rescued from foie gras farms are among the sickest animals we have cared for in over thirty years,” he said. “Foie gras has no place in a society that values compassion, and New York City can be a leader in bringing about a more humane world.” 

For decades, Farm Sanctuary has been at the forefront of the movement to end the sale and cruel production of foie gras, including sponsoring the landmark 2004 law that made California the first state in the nation to ban foie gras. 

Today, we celebrate the court ruling that has ushered in the next step in the fight against foie gras, prohibiting New York City’s restaurants from serving this cruel dish, and we applaud all of the advocates who have stood together to protect birds from abuse.