Ducks and geese are intelligent, social animals capable of forging lifelong bonds and navigating long migrations. Without a doubt, these creatures deserve to live a life of dignity and self-determination. Sadly, these creatures are being exploited by the wealthy for a "gourmet" meal known as Foie Gras. 

Ducks and geese used in the foie gras industry endure severe cruelty and extreme deprivation of their natural behaviors. These birds are subjected to gavage, a brutal force-feeding process in which a metal pipe is shoved down their throats multiple times a day, pumping massive amounts of grain and fat directly into their stomachs. This causes their livers to swell up to ten times their normal size, inducing a diseased state known as hepatic steatosis. The birds often suffer from difficulty breathing, liver failure, injuries to their throats, and infections from the repeated trauma.

Living in cramped, filthy cages or pens, they are denied access to water for swimming, the ability to forage, fly, or engage in any natural behaviors. Many are left immobilized by their enlarged organs or open wounds. Investigations have exposed scenes of birds covered in vomit, struggling to stand, and dying slowly in agony. Foie gras is a luxury product built entirely on the suffering of intelligent, sensitive animals whose basic needs and dignity are systematically ignored.

Our mission is clear: we won't give up until foie gras is permanently eradicated from Gainesville. As part of this mission, Gainesville Animal Defenders has already successfully pressured local restaurants to remove foie gras from their menus. But to keep Gainesville truly foie gras free, we need a legal ban. This legislation will build on the efforts of grassroots activists and make our city’s current foie gras free status permanent. Places like California, New York City, Chicago, and Brookline, MA have already implemented similar bans, proving that change is not only possible, it’s inevitable.

Join us in standing up for animals. By banning foie gras in Gainesville, we solidify our stance on protecting the welfare of all living beings and pave the way for a more compassionate city. Please sign this petition to support our cause.