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An Act To Prohibit the Force-feeding of Birds
Emergency preamble. Whereas, acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and
Whereas,  this legislation needs to take effect before the expiration of the 90-day period in order to end the practice of force-feeding birds as soon as possible; and
Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore,
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 7 MRSA §4011, sub-§1, ¶I,  as amended by PL 2007, c. 702, §11, is further amended to read:
 
I. Kills or tortures an animal to frighten or intimidate a person or forces a person to injure or kill an animal; or
Sec. 2. 7 MRSA §4011, sub-§1, ¶J,  as enacted by PL 2007, c. 702, §12, is amended to read:
 
J. Confines an animal in a building, enclosure, car, boat, vehicle or vessel of any kind when extreme heat or extreme cold will be harmful to its health.; or
Sec. 3. 7 MRSA §4011, sub-§1, ¶K  is enacted to read:
 
K.  Force-feeds a bird, including a duck or goose, for the purpose of enlarging the bird's liver beyond its normal size in order to produce the food product known as foie gras. Force-feeding methods include, but are not limited to, delivering feed through a tube or other device inserted into the bird's esophagus, and these methods may not be considered in compliance with best management practices for animal husbandry.
Emergency clause.  In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.
 
SUMMARY
This bill makes force-feeding birds in order to produce the food product known as foie gras a civil violation.