DC and Denver Voters Approve Foie Gras Bans
Good News for Ducks and Geese!
UPC Photo of Terrain by Rich Cundari
Voters in Washington, DC and Denver stood up for ducks and geese on November 3, approving measures to prohibit force-feeding birds to enlarge their livers and restrict the sale of fattened bird liver products. Pro-Animal DC led the Initiative 86 campaign, and Pro-Animal Colorado led the Ordinance 311 campaign. These votes mark an important step in challenging the exploitation of birds for foie gras.
The next step is putting these decisions into practice. Both measures specify July 1, 2027, as their intended starting date. The DC initiative also requires congressional review and publication, and parts of the measure that require funding must wait until their costs are included in an approved budget and financial plan. The November 4, 2026, Washingtonian article “DC Votes to Ban Foie Gras. Now What?” examines the funding, enforcement, and potential legal challenges ahead.
New York City advocates have fought for years to defend the foie gras ban adopted in 2019 by the New York City Council. An appellate ruling in March 2026 moved the ban forward by removing a major legal obstacle, although a separate injunction prevented immediate enforcement.
The votes in DC and Denver add to that progress. More communities are rejecting the abuse of ducks and geese for foie gras. There is much to celebrate but also much work ahead to ensure these bans are enforced.