Israel's Supreme Court has ruled that the production of foie gras (liver pate) causes unacceptable suffering to animals and therefore violates Israeli law. The ruling comes following an effective campaign led by Anonymous for Animal Rights with support from WSPA.

"This is great news," commented WSPA's John Callaghan. "Israel is setting a huge precedent by phasing out foie gras production. However, as long as people continue to eat foie gras, the suffering will continue.We hope other countries will follow their lead and make the force-feeding of animals illegal."

In order to produce foie gras, farmers force-feed geese and ducks through metal tubes in order to enlarge their livers. A recent survey found that 69% of Israelis perceive force-feeding as animal abuse.

The judge in this case has deferred enforcement of the ban until 2005, in order to enable foie gras industry workers to find alternative employment. Currently, Israel produces 300 tons of foie gras annually and is the world's fourth largest producer.