Letter to the editor: Foie gras ban shows Pittsburgh's compassion

I am in support of the recent ban on foie gras sale and production in the city of Pittsburgh, as it reflects our city’s progressiveness and commitment to a more compassionate future for all beings (“Pittsburgh bans foie gras, pauses efforts to bar fur sales, horse-drawn carriages,” Dec. 18, TribLive). With this ban on ethical grounds, we have joined the ranks of not only numerous places throughout the United States, but a growing list of 20 countries. This list includes countries like India, with a ban on both the sale and production of foie gras, and countries that have production bans like the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and Norway.

Foie gras, for those unfamiliar, uses the cruel practice of gavage, where ducks and geese are force-fed enormous quantities of fat and grain through metal tubes inserted down their throats, leading to an unnatural swelling of their livers. This is both a physical and psychological torture that causes immense pain, respiratory distress and even death.

The cities, states and countries choosing to ban foie gras are a reflection of the conscious consumer that does not want to support animal suffering with their food choices and are demanding change.

Nicole Toney

North Side

The writer is a volunteer with Humane Action Pittsburgh.