Bill > H6345

This bill aims to prohibit the practice of force-feeding poultry to create foie gras, a controversial delicacy, in Rhode Island. The legislation defines force-feeding as forcibly inserting food or supplements into a bird's throat, esophagus, crop, or stomach to enlarge its liver, typically done with ducks or geese. The bill makes it illegal to engage in force-feeding or hire someone to do so, and prohibits selling force-fed poultry products or foods containing such products in the state. There is a legal presumption that any item labeled or listed as "foie gras" is a force-fed poultry product, with the burden of proof on the seller to demonstrate otherwise. Violations of this law would result in a civil penalty of $500 per violation, with each day of continued violation potentially being treated as a separate offense. The bill can be enforced by local municipalities or the state health department, with enforcement officers authorized to issue citations. The law is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, and is justified by concerns about animal welfare, public health, and environmental sustainability.

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