SPCA seizes foie gras ducks

AP

File picture of Muscovy ducks. A number of Muscovy ducks have been taken from a farm in Lichtenburg, North West, where a p�t� was being produced from their livers. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

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CRIME-DUCKS

JOHANNESBURG March 16 Sapa

DUCKS TAKEN FROM NWEST FARM

A number of Muscovy ducks have been taken from a farm in Lichtenburg, North West, where a pâté was being produced from their livers, the National Council of SPCAs (NSPCA) said on Friday.

The ducks were found in cages too small for them to stand up or stretch their wings, said NSPCA senior inspector Grace de Lange.

Inspectors also found a machine used to mechanically force-feed the ducks to enlarge their livers for the production of pâté de foie gras.

"This is how these ducks were living and this would continue for several weeks, until their livers had become extremely enlarged," she said.

"There is no humane way to produce pâté de foie gras."

A report on the condition of the ducks was being compiled and the SPCA would lay criminal charges, in terms of the Animals Protection Act, against the farmers next week.

"An appeal is made to everyone -- restaurateurs, caterers, chefs, the public and media -- to please be aware of how this pâté is produced and to come forward with any information relating to any local or alleged local production," De Lange said.

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