Keep foie gras off the menu

Many of your readers may be aware of the unspeakable cruelty in the production of foie gras. Together we can use our consumer power to say no to this cruelly-produced delicacy. For those who are unaware, foie gras is a pate produced by force-feeding ducks or geese to enlarge their livers.

The birds are restrained and food is forced through a metal tube down their throats. This can lead to the birds suffering from disease and injuries.

Following the ban on selling foie gras in the US city of Chicago I hope that the residents of Shropshire can use their consumer power to contact local shops and restaurants and request foie gras no longer be sold.

A number of European countries, including Denmark, Germany, Luxembourg, Norway, Sweden and the UK, no longer produce it. However, the sale of foie gras continues.

To all the incredible chefs in Shropshire I say, you set the standards that others aspire to. Please show them that a veritable feast can be produced without cruelty.

To the consumers of Shropshire I say, do you really want to eat some poor bird's diseased liver?

If you notice foie gras on the menu of your local restaurant, you can politely speak to the manager or you can contact Compassion in World Farming at www.ciwf.org

P Watkins, Ludlow