Farm Sanctuary is continuing to urge the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to adopt a position statement opposing the force-feeding of birds to produce foie gras.

The American Veterinary Medical Association is considered by many to be the authority on animal welfare issues in the United States. The opinions of the AVMA are considered by many policy makers, but unfortunately, the AVMA has been slow to oppose cruel factory farming practices.

Hundreds of veterinarians signed petitions urging AVMA to oppose the cruel methods used to produce foie gras. The petitions were submitted in the form of a resolution to the AVMA. To see a copy of the proposed resolution, click here.

This resolution was addressed in a reference committee on July 23, 2004. The committee supported the resolution, voting 12-7 to adopt a position against the cruel force-feeding of birds to produce foie gras. Unfortunately, the House of Delegates (the governing body of the AVMA) referred the issue to the Animal Welfare Committee, rather than following the recommendation of the reference committee. In summer, 2005, the AVMA House of Delegates again addressed this issue, but again, they failed to take a position against the inhumane force-feeding of birds to make foie gras.

Animal advocates need to bring the issue back and to educate veterinarians about this issue.

For more information, and to become involved in this effort, please visit our AVMA Reform Campaign site and contact campaign@farmsanctuary.org, or call 607-583-2225 ext. 229.