As a passionate campaigner for animal welfare, Louie French has signed a letter to the Prime Minister from a range of Conservatives MPs to keep the ban on the trade of foie gras and fur.
The production of foie gras from ducks or geese using force feeding raises serious welfare concerns. This method of production has been banned in the UK for over 15 years following the introduction of the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
The Government’s Action Plan for Animal Welfare sets out the Government’s vision to introduce a range of world-leading reforms to improve the welfare and conservative of animals at home and abroad. The Government have committed to building a clear evidence base to inform decisions on the import or sale of foie gras through this action plan.
In the letter, Louie and other MP’s expressed:
“Sir, As Conservatives we hope that reports suggesting that bans on imports of fur and foie gras have been blocked by certain cabinet members, are inaccurate. Fur farming, and force-feeding ducks and geese to produce foie gras, are inhumane practices, rightly banned in the UK. Neither should products from such cruel industries be allowed. It is right to limit the choice of a tiny minority of consumers when failing to do so causes great harm. Polls consistently show that a compelling majority of the public back these bans.
Defra’s “Call for Evidence” on the fur trade received 30,000 responses last year. We urge publication of the results, and for policy to be based upon them. We welcome the government’s pledge to act as a world leader in animal welfare. Fur and foie gras bans would uphold a commitment to high animal welfare standards both here and overseas, and meet the expectations of the public.”
Commenting Louie said:
“The welfare of animals is a political priority of mine and something that is close to my heart. That is why I have agreed to sign a letter to the Prime Minister from a range of Conservative MPs, which encourages the UK government to continue with its proposed ban on the import and sale of furs and foie gras.”
“In the UK both fur and foie gras farms were banned in 2000 and 2006 respectively, on the grounds of the clear and unacceptable cruelty involved. If the UK believes that fur is too cruel to be farmed here, by extension it is too cruel to sell here and I hope that the government listens to our calls.”
