Owain Yeoman Investigates ‘Crime Scene’ At Fortnum & Mason

For Immediate Release:
15 June 2011


Contact:
Sandra Smiley +44 (0)207 357 9229, ext 229; [email protected]


London – Today, surrounded by “crime scene” hazard tape and chalk body outlines of geese, The Mentalist star Owain Yeoman led PETA members in a protest against Fortnum & Mason’s continued sale of foie gras. Brandishing a sign that reads, “F&M: Investigate Compassion – Ban Foie Gras”, Yeoman called for Fortnum & Mason to follow the lead of Harvey Nichols and Selfridges, who have stopped selling the horrible product under pressure from PETA. Foie gras production is so cruel that it is illegal under UK law.


“In the UK, foie gras production is literally a criminal procedure – so why is a shop that prides itself on its British heritage still selling this cruel product?” asks Yeoman. “We’re encouraging all compassionate people to shop elsewhere until Fortnum & Mason stops selling foie gras.”


In foie gras production, young ducks and geese are crammed into tiny cages or pens barely larger than their own bodies. Up to 2 kilograms of grain and fat are pumped through pipes into the birds’ stomachs each day. Investigations on foie gras farms have documented sick, dead and dying birds, some with holes in their necks from pipe injuries.


Yeoman, who was born in Wales, stars as Special Agent Wayne Rigsby in the hit American television programme, which airs on Channel 5 in the UK. He joins a long list of public figures – including Sir Roger Moore, Steven Berkoff, Jenny Seagrove, Carley Stenson, Peter Egan and the Duchess of Hamilton – in speaking out against Fortnum & Mason’s continued sale of foie gras.