For the past four years, I have been raising poultry, caring for them with dedication and tenderness. Among my flock, I have hens with special needs. Every day, I hand-feed two of them, a process that requires observation, patience, and time. This experience has taught me to notice the smallest details that impact a bird’s comfort and wellbeing, such as knowing when to pause and let them recuperate. This responsibility has heightened my awareness and compassion towards birds, urging me to advocate against practices that lead to unnecessary suffering.

One such practice is the force-feeding of ducks and geese for the production of foie gras, a controversial delicacy known for its rich taste but also its ethically troubling methods. During force-feeding, the birds are subjected to painful gavage, where metal tubes are inserted down their throats several times a day, leading to unnaturally large livers filled with fat – a process that often induces extreme distress and health complications. The inherent cruelty of this practice is alarming and disheartening.

In Michigan, we have the opportunity to take a stand against this inhumane treatment by prohibiting the commercial sale of foie gras produced through force-feeding. Such a ban would align with our state's commitment to ethical treatment of animals, as well as acknowledge the growing demand for responsible and humane food sourcing. Massachusetts and California have made similar legislative efforts, and Michigan can join these states by implementing policies that reflect our values of compassion and integrity.

A consistent trend has emerged where consumers are increasingly prioritizing humane treatment of animals in their purchasing choices. Banning foie gras produced by force-feeding is not only a necessary ethical step but also a response to the shifting public sentiment demanding transparency and humane practices in the food industry.

I urge you to support this petition, to call on Michigan lawmakers to make a humane choice by ending the commercial sale of foie gras from force-fed ducks and geese. Together, we can ensure that cruelty has no place in our food production processes. Please sign this petition to protect the welfare of these birds and promote a kinder future for all creatures.