Denver Could Be the Next City to Ban Foie Gras

Denver could be the next city to say no to cruel foie gras if a new ballot initiative spearheaded by Pro-Animal Colorado (formerly Pro-Animal Future) is successful. The group, which focuses on ending factory farming through grassroots legislative efforts, is working to get a citywide ban on foie gras on the ballot this November.

Last year, Pro-Animal Colorado led a similar effort to ban slaughterhouses within Denver city limits. While that initiative was ultimately defeated, a recent poll conducted by the group found strong support among Denver residents for banning the force-feeding of animals—a cruel practice at the core of foie gras production.

Although Denver currently has no farms force-feeding ducks or geese, the proposed ordinance would prevent such facilities from opening in the future and would also prohibit the sale of foie gras made from force-fed birds at restaurants and other businesses within the city.

At the end of May, city staff hosted a public review of the draft ordinance to provide feedback and request revisions. Next, Pro-Animal Colorado will submit a final version of the ordinance to the Elections Division and begin the process of collecting the 9,500 valid signatures needed to qualify the measure for the November ballot.

If passed, Denver’s ban would almost certainly face legal challenges, just as similar bans have in cities like New York. Still, this type of citizen-led initiative remains vitally important. Not only does it raise public awareness about the brutal reality of foie gras production, but it also helps build momentum toward lasting change at both the local and national levels. Each campaign keeps this issue in the public eye and puts pressure on lawmakers and regulators to act.

As important as these types of ballot initiatives are, foie gras should already be illegal nationwide under existing USDA regulations. Species Unite is working to bring attention to this issue through our petition demanding that the USDA enforce the Poultry Products Inspection Act, which requires that “diseased poultry carcasses and parts be condemned.” We must continue raising awareness about this blatant violation, not only to end the suffering of ducks and geese, but to compel the USDA to finally do the right thing for both animal welfare and public safety.

Please help us keep up the pressure by signing and sharing our petition with your network and speaking out against this inhumane and unlawful product.