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Schwarzenegger's Restaurant, Schatzi on Main, Signs Pledge Against Cruel Foie Gras

Pledge Arrives on Eve of Victory Party to Celebrate Passage of SB 1520 that Bans the Production of Foie Gras in California

West Hollywood, CA - November 17, 2004 - Schatzi on Main in Santa Monica, CA is the latest of over 400 restaurants to sign a pledge not to serve foie gras. Founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger and managed by Charlie and Maria Temmel, Schatzi on Main, has signed the pledge on the heels of the passage of SB 1520, legislation that outlaws the forced feeding of birds to produce foie gras in California. Farm Sanctuary, the nation's largest farm animal rescue and shelter organization, is hosting an event on November 17th at the House of Blues in West Hollywood to celebrate passage of this historic bill and to honor Gov. Schwarzenegger and Senator John Burton for their roles in getting this bill signed into law.

"Schatzi on Main is to be commended for taking a stand against the cruelty of foie gras and for setting a humane example for others," said Gene Baur (formerly Bauston), founder and president of Farm Sanctuary.

Maria Temmel, manager of Schatzi on Main stated, "Our establishment would never serve foie gras. We fully support Governor Schwarzenegger's decision to sign this bill into law."

To produce foie gras, a tube is shoved down the throats of ducks and geese, and massive quantities of food are pumped in, causing the birds' livers to expand up to ten times their normal size. The birds suffer from liver disease and other serious ailments, and many die before reaching slaughter. Concerns about animal welfare have led to bans on foie gras production in over a dozen countries in Europe.

SB 1520 was supported by a broad coalition of animal protection groups and sponsored by the Association of Veterinarians for Animal Rights, Farm Sanctuary, Los Angeles Lawyers for Animals and Viva!USA. More than a dozen celebrities supported the bill, including Martin Sheen, Sir Paul McCartney, Kim Basinger, Alicia Silverstone and Mary Tyler Moore.

More information is available at http://www.nofoiegras.org.

About Farm Sanctuary
Farm Sanctuary is the nation's leading farm animal protection organization. Since incorporating in 1986, Farm Sanctuary has worked to expose and stop cruel practices of the "food animal" industry through research and investigations, legal and institutional reforms, public awareness projects, youth education, and direct rescue and refuge efforts. Farm Sanctuary shelters in Watkins Glen, N.Y., and Orland, Calif., provide lifelong care for hundreds of rescued animals, who have become ambassadors for farm animals everywhere by educating visitors about the realities of factory farming. Additional information can be found at www.farmsanctuary.org or by calling 607-583-2225.