Bill > S544

This bill amends existing Massachusetts law to address the treatment of birds, specifically focusing on prohibiting force feeding. The bill first defines a "bird" as any winged vertebrate like a duck or goose, and then precisely defines "force feeding" as a process causing a bird to consume more food than it would voluntarily, typically involving inserting a tube into the bird's esophagus. It also updates the definition of "poultry" to include any domesticated bird, whether live or dead. The key substantive provision makes it illegal to force feed a bird for the purpose of enlarging its liver beyond normal size, and also prohibits hiring someone else to do so. Additionally, the bill bans the sale of products resulting from such force feeding practices. This legislation appears targeted at preventing practices associated with foie gras production, where birds are force fed to create a fatty liver, a process considered by many to be cruel to animals.

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Budget and Finance

https://malegislature.gov/Bills/194/S544