Vegan actor Thandie Newton is joining the British branch of international animal rights organization, Animal Equality, in calling for a full ban on foie gras.
“I am pleased to join Animal Equality UK and the overwhelming majority who support a #FoieGrasFreeGB,” Newton said in a statement after viewing undercover footage from the foie gras industry obtained by the organization. Newton, who co-starred in the film “Solo: A Star Wars Story” alongside vegan actor Woody Harrelson, revealed last June that he had inspired her to adopt a compassionate plant-based lifestyle.
“The UK’s departure from the European Union allows the unique opportunity for Parliament to meaningfully depart from the grotesque foie gras industry. The law should reflect that if it’s too cruel to produce here, we shouldn’t welcome cruelty from elsewhere,” Newton continued.
Newton was joined by star of the 2008 film “Slumdog Millionaire,” Dev Patel, in taking a stand against the controversial French food, which is notorious for its cruel method of preparation. Ducks and geese are force-fed via a metal rod shoved down their throats, 12 to 15 times daily, until their livers expand. The birds are then slaughtered so their fatty livers can be eaten. The food is considered to be a delicacy in the fine dining scene.
“The process is so exceptionally cruel that foie gras production was made illegal in the UK, yet the sale and importation of it is still allowed. We refuse to tolerate this loophole,” Patel added.
As noted by Patel, domestic production of foie gras is illegal in the UK, however, it is still legal to sell. Animal Equality’s petition to make the sale and importation of the notoriously cruel food illegal following Brexit has been signed by more than 100,000 concerned individuals. The petition calls upon environmental secretary Michael Gove to outlaw foie gras at the end of March, when the UK will depart the EU.
The UK isn’t the only nation where foie gras’s cruelty is raising concern. Last April, American food delivery service Postmates banned foie gras due to its controversial nature.
The petition will be delivered to Downing Street on September 18 by animal rights advocate and “Downton Abbey” star, Peter Egan. Other celebrities who have lent their support to the cause include Ricky Gervais, Chris Packham, Evanna Lynch, and others.
Image Credit: Thandie Newton | Instagram
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