Geese raised for foie gras endure force-feeding that causes severe welfare harms, while even conventionally farmed geese face welfare challenges around housing, feather plucking, and slaughter.
The welfare harms of foie gras production are severe and well-documented. Force-feeding via metal tube causes esophageal trauma, liver disease, respiratory distress from hepatomegaly, and significantly shortened lifespan. Birds cannot walk properly or perform natural behaviors during the gavage period. Beyond foie gras, conventionally farmed geese may suffer from live feather plucking — painful removal of down and feathers from living birds — which causes visible distress and injury. Geese kept without water access cannot perform natural bathing and bill-dipping behaviors essential to ocular and nasal health. High-density housing prevents expression of natural social and foraging behaviors. Slaughter without adequate stunning causes additional suffering.