Victory! Foie Gras Bans Approved In Denver & Washington, D.C.

Voters in Denver, Colorado, and Washington, D.C., have approved bans on the sale of foie gras made from force-fed ducks and geese, rejecting the cruelty behind the luxury dish. According to unofficial results, both measures passed in the November 3 election.

In a November 4 announcement, Pro-Animal Future reported that Denver’s Initiated Ordinance 311 received 66.55% of the vote, while Washington, D.C.’s Initiative 86 received approximately 73% of the vote.

Ducks and geese used to produce foie gras endure weeks of cruel force-feeding. Workers push tubes down their throats to pump in excessive quantities of food, causing their livers to swell and become diseased. The birds are then slaughtered for their livers, which are sold to restaurants and consumers.

The measures address this cruelty by prohibiting force-feeding to enlarge birds’ livers and restricting commercial sales of products made from force-fed birds.

Behind the votes were volunteers and advocates working to bring the suffering of these animals to public attention. Pro-Animal Colorado and Pro-Animal DC, both part of Pro-Animal Future, led the campaigns.

According to the organization, 84 volunteers gathered more than 16,000 signatures in Denver. In Washington, D.C., petitioners submitted 46,020 signatures, with election officials verifying 31,726. Their efforts gave residents the opportunity to vote against the sale of products made through this cruel practice.

Both measures are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2027. Washington, D.C.’s initiative must also undergo congressional review, and any provisions requiring funding are subject to approval through the city’s budget process.

Portland adopted a similar ban in June, joining efforts to end the sale of these cruel products in restaurants and retail stores.

“Three cities in one year, from Portland to the nation’s capital to Denver. People in each of them decided that force-feeding a bird doesn’t belong in their city, and the future is looking bright for animals,” said Eva Hamer, Executive Director of Pro-Animal Future.

Ducks and geese should never have to endure force-feeding and slaughter for foie gras. These votes are a victory for birds whose suffering too often goes unseen. Enforcing the bans and securing similar protections in other cities and states can help spare more birds from this cruelty.