Reject foie gras jihadists

WHEN THE CHRONICLE first reported that animal-rights activists had attacked Sonoma Foie Gras, owner Guillermo Gonzalez, and his two partners in a soon-to-open store/bistro Sonoma Saveurs, it seemed it would be only a matter of time before the businessmen caved.

Perhaps the partners could absorb the cost of repairing vandalized machinery and removing nasty graffiti - as in "End animal torture." But Gonzalez, Laurent Manrique and Didier Jaubert also had to pay a very personal price: Activists sent them threats, glued their car locks, invaded their homes and terrorized their families. In the nastiest episode, animal righters videotaped Manrique's family, including his 2-year-old son, at their home. Then they sent him the tape.

Why? Zealots from groups like People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and Gourmet Cruelty contend that force- feeding ducks is cruel. The fact is, animal righters oppose all meat production and would object to foie gras even if employees spoon-fed the ducks and took them for swims thrice daily.

Dr. Francine Bradley, a poultry expert at the University of California at Davis, has been to Sonoma Foie Gras, and has nothing but praise for the outfit.

But fine poultry won't stop the chain of intimidation; activists target one party, then target those who have ties to the party. Gonzalez receives threats; vandals attack his business. He starts a new business, the animal thugs harass his partners. And his partners' families.


On Monday, Gonzalez said that he always seeks to improve his product, he wasn't playing up to the animal righters. Jaubert explained that the story involved "a communication problem because we started to be very defensive."




Worst of all, they often succeed - because they'll harass anyone.


auditors and insurers that did business with the multinational corporation. They harassed employees at home and smoke-bombed a Seattle office. An animal- rights mole obtained a list of an auditor's employees, who were then harassed. In order to protect research that saves lives, the British government directed the Bank of England to issue HLS its only corporate account.


The also bank on animal-rights galas that feature glamourous celebrities, who pride themselves on their sensitivity.

Think, ducks on a treadmill.