Animal rights activists aim to put a proposed ban on the force-feeding of poultry on the Denver general ballot in 2026, calling it a “cruel” and outdated process.

Along with prohibiting the act itself, proponents seek to curb the sale of products derived from force-feeding birds, such as foie gras, often served in high-end restaurants.

The ballot initiative would only apply to the City and County of Denver and not to surrounding cities and suburbs.

Proponents met with city legislative experts last week to review the language for their proposed legislation, but have not finalized anything to date.

“Cultural attitudes towards animals have shifted, and polling shows a majority of Denver voters agree that this specific practice should be relegated to the history books,” said Aiden Kanyoku, strategy lead for Pro-Animal Future, a grassroots group targeting industrialized farming.

California, New York City and other major U.S. cities have banned the sale of foie gras – fattened duck or goose liver – but in many cases, it can still be served as long as it is brought in from out of state.

While Kankyoku said he is unaware of any businesses in the city or Colorado that engage in the practice of force-feeding, approximately two dozen restaurants in Denver currently prepare and serve foie gras and related products.

In recent months, some Denver chefs opted to remove foie gras from their menus after protesters organized demonstrations outside restaurant doors.

Last year Denver voters rejected several animal-related measure including a ban on slaughterhouses and on the sale of new fur products including rabbit and beaver pelts.

Backers of the foie gras initiative must finalize and submit their proposed ordinance language to the Denver Elections Division.

Once approved, they must gather the required 9,500 valid voter signatures in order to be added to the ballot in November 2026.