NY Gov Hochul: Stop Defending Foie Gras Cruelty in Court

Ducks and geese raised for foie gras have suffered long enough. Bred into this industry, they are subjected to force-feeding—tubes pushed down their throats to unnaturally enlarge their livers—causing pain, injury, and extreme distress. Every delay in enforcing the ban allows this needless suffering to continue.

New Yorkers recognized this cruelty years ago. In 2019, the New York City Council passed a ban on foie gras sales, reflecting a clear moral consensus that this abuse has no place in our communities. But instead of honoring that decision, the state has prolonged a years-long legal battle—delaying justice and disregarding the will of the people.

Now, after an appellate court upheld the City’s authority to enforce the ban, there is no excuse left. The law is clear, and the path forward is undeniable. Yet Governor Hochul is still pushing to continue the appeal.

This is a choice—one that prioritizes a small, cruel industry over the overwhelming public demand for compassion and accountability. Every additional delay means more animals suffer and more taxpayer resources are spent defending the indefensible.

New York should lead on humane policy—not defend outdated practices that shock the conscience. Governor Hochul must stop standing in the way of progress.

Please sign the petition urging Governor Kathy Hochul to drop the appeal and allow New York City’s foie gras ban to take effect without further delay. The cruelty is undeniable, and the time to act is now.

The petition to Governor Hochul reads: Advocates and the courts have made clear that foie gras—produced through the force-feeding of ducks and geese—is an inhumane practice with no place in our society. After years of delay, the courts have upheld New York City’s ban, and there is no justification for continuing to defend this cruelty. We urge you to drop the appeal immediately and allow the ban to take effect without further obstruction.
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Sources:

https://gothamist.com/news/new-york-court-clears-way-for-nyc-foie-gras-ban-to-take-effect

Voters for Animal Rights (NYC) https://www.instagram.com/p/DXKDVlgEWCc/

Voters for Animal Rights (NYC) https://vfar.org/duck-yeah-new-york-citys-foie-gras-ban-is-here-to-stay/