Thursday 31st January, Nottingham

Six animal rights advocates gathered once again for a peaceful demonstration outside French Living in Nottingham City centre to express their concern for the cruel and unusual farming methods used in the production of foie-gras, which the restaurant continues to serve. Those present were pleased to speak to concerned members of the public, the majority of whom were appalled to discover the reality of this ‘delicacy.’ Even more tellingly, even the restaurant’s clientele seemed to have lost their appetite for foie-gras; many were keen to let demonstrators know that they wouldn’t be ordering the dish.

Unusually, police presence was minimal for the duration of the demonstration, aside infrequent patrols by community support officers. Previous such peaceful events have been marred by a heavy handed response by Nottinghamshire Police Force, and the liberal application of section 14 of the Public Order Act 1986.

To produce foie-gras, young ducks and geese are confined to small, restrictive cages and routinely force fed through a metal tube forcibly inserted down their throat – the tube itself is often responsible for potentially fatal lacerations and subsequent infection. Repeated force-feeding causes their livers to swell up to 10 times their natural size, essentially inducing liver disease. The product, foie-gras, or literally ‘fatty liver’, is subsequently marketed and served as a delicacy. This practice is so cruel that its production would be illegal in Britain, but free trade laws permit its import and sale.

Nottingham Animal Rights continue to work towards educating the general public about the true cost of foie-gras, so as to encourage consumers to make an informed, and ethical, choice. The next demonstration will take place tomorrow (Friday 1st February 2008) and all are welcome. For those taking part please meet at 6.45 by the Lions in Market Square, or alternatively contact Nottingham Animal Rights directly for further information on 077 0303 1667.