We're thrilled to announce that Animal Outlook's lawsuit against Harvey's Market has resulted in a significant victory: as part of our settlement, this DC butcher shop has agreed to permanently stop selling foie gras.
Last October, we filed a lawsuit against Harvey's Market alleging that it deceptively marketed foie gras under banners saying "HUMANELY RAISED STOCK" and "FREE RANGE."
As you may know, foie gras is produced by force-feeding ducks or geese until their livers swell up to ten times their normal size. This cruel process involves forcibly inserting a tube into birds' throats to pump food directly into their stomachs, intentionally inducing liver disease. Meanwhile, these birds are typically confined indoors for their entire lives, the complete opposite of "free range."
Your Support Made This Victory Possible
Animal Outlook continues our fight against "humane washing," the deceptive practice of using misleading language to make consumers believe animals are treated better than they actually are.
Our attorneys at Legal Impact for Chickens leveraged the District of Columbia Consumer Protection Procedures Act to argue that:
Animals subjected to force-feeding for foie gras production can never be "humanely raised"
Animals without access to the outdoors cannot be labeled as "free range"
While Harvey's Market did not admit liability, no more foie gras will be sold by this establishment, ever.
Why This Matters
This victory demonstrates the effectiveness of using consumer protection laws to fight for animals. When businesses make false claims about animal welfare, they not only mislead consumers but also perpetuate systems of cruelty.
When we hold companies accountable for their marketing claims, we create real consequences for those who profit from animal suffering while hiding behind humane washing language.
Help Us Keep Fighting
This victory is just one battle in our ongoing fight against animal exploitation. With your continued support, we can:
File more strategic lawsuits targeting false animal welfare claims
Conduct investigations that expose the truth behind "humane" marketing
Educate consumers about the reality of foie gras and other cruel animal products
Every contribution, no matter the size, strengthens our ability to fight for animals through groundbreaking legal strategies.
Thank you for standing with us for a more compassionate world.
For the animals,
Ben Williamson
Executive Director
As a non-profit organization, Animal Outlook relies on donations from caring, generous people like you. Every dollar matters. Your support makes a world of difference to farmed animals.
