Washington, D.C. Voters to Decide on Foie Gras Ban in November Ballot

The D.C. Board of Elections confirmed that the Prohibiting the Force-Feeding of Birds Act of 2026, backed by the animal-rights group Pro-Animal D.C., will appear on the November ballot. The campaign turned in more than 45,000 signatures, a count described as the second-highest ever for a city ballot measure. If enacted, the initiative would outlaw the production and sale of foie gras, a French delicacy created by force-feeding ducks and geese, and would allow authorities to fine violators up to $5,000 and potentially suspend or revoke business licenses for repeated offenses.

Advocates cite the practice as abusive toward hundreds of thousands of birds, while local restaurateurs such as Bart Hutchins of Butterworth’s contend that the focus is misplaced and that broader animal-rights issues deserve attention. The proposal follows California’s earlier ban on foie gras. The outcome will determine whether Washington, D.C., joins the growing list of jurisdictions restricting the luxury food.