Click here for the text of the federal Humane Methods of Slaughter Act (1958).
Aside from some states' individual statutes, this is the only law that is intended for farm animals in the process of slaughter. Animals in religious slaughter operations, and chickens, turkeys, ducks and geese are not protected by this law.
Enforcement is known for being questionable based on audits, undercover investigations and sheer numbers.
October 2014 - U.S. Supreme Court Upholds CA Foie Gras Ban
January 2015 - Judge Overturns CA Ban on Foie Gras
February 2015 - Foie Gras Ban Overturned - Appeal to Follow
December 2016 - California’s Foie Gras Ban Could Soon Be Back in Effect
January 2019 - United States Supreme Court Upholds Foie Gras Ban
May 2022 - Appeals Court Upholds Limit on California's Foie Gras Ban
