On July 1, 2012, it became official in California: the production and sale of foie gras are now completely illegal. After a long and contentious journey between animal welfare groups, special interests groups including restaurants and chefs, a ban on foie gras was signed in 2004 and became active this past July.

Foie gras requires a duck or goose to be force fed until its liver enlarges almost to the point of death. It's a long and painful way for these animals to go through life, as the tubes used can cause internal bleeding and punctures. Some birds are fed so much they simply burst or choke to death on their own vomit.

Banning foie gras in California is just one more step closer to getting rid of the cruel practice everywhere. Thank California for leading the cause in saving ducks and geese and sign in support of complete eradication of foie gras.