Animal rights group Foie Gras Free North (FGFN) is targeting restaurants in West Yorkshire which offer what campaigners call "the delicacy of despair".

Malmaison, The Marriott, No.3 York Place, Sam's Chop House and Salts Deli in Leeds have all gone foie gras-free in recent weeks.

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A representative from Anthony's at Flannels – still targeted by FGFN – told the YEP that the delicacy had also now been removed from their menu.

But Chino Latino's, part of the Park Plaza Hotel, defended their decision to serve the delicacy and declined to comment further.

Rupert Stevens from FGFN said: "Campaigners have been incredibly effective in Leeds, and have received nationwide support their efforts. This is a difficult situation.

"We are strongly pushing for the abolition of foie gras, and it is very disappointing for us not to enter into discussion.

"All this time we know that ducks and geese are fed four times a day for 18 days, starting when the birds reach the age of 12 weeks.

"We are calling on people to boycott these establishments, and to inform restaurants of that decision. It is a horrific abuse of animals, and unfortunately there are a few people who take pleasure in this suffering."

The production of foie gras is illegal in the UK, with the Government citing liberal trade laws as an obstacle to a ban.

Government minister Lord Rooker recently said they were considering loopholes in EU legislation which might allow a ban on imports of foie gras.

Mr Stevens said: "It is really up to the people in Leeds to protest and put a stop to this violent practice.

"The well-being of people, animals and the environment are very closely linked."