What is Portland deciding about add Code to prohibit the sale or provision of certain force-fed poultry products (add Code Chapter 17.110)?

Foie gras (ˈfwä-ˈgrä) - French for "fatty liver" refers to a luxury food made from the diseased liver of a duck or goose. Foie gras is typically produced by force-feeding ducks and geese until their livers fatten to as much as 10 times their normal, healthy size. This process has been widely denounced as inhumane by both veterinary professionals and the general public. After enduring weeks of being force-fed multiple times a day, the birds are slaughtered and their livers are processed to be sold as foie gras.In addition to animal welfare concerns, foie gras production poses a risk to public health and the environment. Because of the constant abuse they suffer, ducks and geese on factory foie gras farms have weakened immune systems. This makes them especially susceptible to avian influenza (bird flu). Bird flu is a zoonotic disease that can spread to humans. The foie gras industry also produces many environmental hazards, including: wasting large amounts of water and energy, polluting air and waterways with manure and slaughter waste, and threatening wild endangered species.Oregon law recognizes all animals as sentient beings capable of experiencing pain, stress, and fear (ORS 167.305). It also provides that animals should be cared for in ways that minimize pain, stress, fear, and suffering. The City of Portland also has a vested interest in promoting responsible and sustainable business practices. As such, it is in the public's interest to codify laws related to the humane treatment of animals and environmental protection by banning force-fed poultry products from the marketplace.Similar sales bans have been passed in the State of California; Brookline, Massachusetts; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Twenty-eight countries around the world have banned either the production, sale, or import of foie gras. Portland has led on regulatory measures that promote sustainable business practices throughout our history and it's long past time we join other communities around the world on this one.

The reviewed sources do not clearly identify every existing policy, service, contract, or obligation that would remain unchanged.

This proposal concerns other city business and requires action through Portland’s public legislative process.

Portlanders have organized demonstrations at various businesses in the past demanding that force-fed poultry products be removed from their menu, causing disruptions for business. This proposal provides a mechanism by which Portlanders can pursue similar outcomes and provide room for continued business operation. One concern that some stakeholders within the food scene have articulated before is that they may experience some challenges in coming into compliance with a ban as they sell off their remaining stock of force-fed poultry products. To accommodate this concern this proposal has additional lead time built into its implementation to allow for impacted businesses to sell their remaining stock as they come into compliance.