First monkeys, then ducks and geese: Air France is certainly racking up the victims with its cruel policies. As if it weren’t bad enough that it’s the only international airline that still transports primates to laboratories for animal testing, the company has just sponsored a pound of foie gras to be given to each of the 751 members of the European Parliament (MEPs) in Strasbourg, despite the fact that foie gras production is so cruel that it would be illegal in most EU countries.
A bunch of MEPs unsurprisingly rejected the unpleasant gift, while PETA France members sprang into action with a protest at Air France’s office in Paris.
Activists in monkey masks pelted the building with “faux gras” – the vegan version of the “fatty liver pâté” – to express their outrage at Air France’s utter disregard for the well-being of animals.
To produce foie gras, ducks and geese are force-fed via a metal pipe which is rammed down their throats several times a day for weeks until their livers become diseased and swell to up to 10 times their normal size. The practice of force-feeding has been condemned by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations as well as by the EU’s Scientific Committee on Animal Health and Animal Welfare.
Investigations at foie gras farms have documented sick, dead and dying birds, some with holes in their necks from pipe injuries. The production methods are so cruel that California and India have even banned the sale of foie gras.
Air France seems intent on earning itself the wrong sort of reputation – as a company that puts profits over morals every time. As a result, thousands of compassionate consumers have taken their business elsewhere.
Help its management get the message that cruelty doesn’t fly by sending a quick e-mail today:
www.petauk.org/airfrance
