INITIATIVE MEASURE NO. 86
Prohibiting Force-Feeding of Birds Act of 2026.
Reviewed Oct 23, 2026. Every line below is quoted from its source; only the headings are ours.
The question, as the ballot prints it
If enacted, this Initiative would:
(a) Prohibit any person from force-feeding a bird for the purpose of enlarging the bird’s liver beyond normal size;
(b) Ban the sale or distribution of any product resulting from force-feeding a bird, including foie gras;
(c) Define force-feeding as inserting a tube into the bird’s throat to deliver excessive feed;
(d) Provide for enforcement by the Department of Energy and Environment during routine food safety inspections; and
(e) Provide for civil penalties.
Yes, to approve
No, to reject
Official sample ballot, DC Board of ElectionsShort title, summary statement and legislative text, DC Board of Elections
Who put it on the ballot
Cady Witt
The Board’s General Counsel, Terri Stroud, and the initiative proposer, Cady Witt (“the Proposer”), were also present.
DC Board of Elections · Memorandum Opinion and Order, No. 26-002
Pro-Animal Washington DC
Pro-Animal Washington DC is a local chapter of the Pro-Animal Future network, a 501(c)(4) political organization.
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Pro-Animal Future
Pro-Animal Future is a collective of voters, volunteers, and small donors building a political movement to end factory farming.
DC Voters for Animals
DC Voters for Animals is a political organization that coalesces the voice of the animal voter in Washington, DC.
In Defense of Animals
Our main headquarters are established in Marin County, California.
Dr. Bronner’s
We’re a family business and consider all who work with us to be part of our extended family.
For and against, in their own words
AgainstBart Hutchins
I am asking you to not sign the petition.
ForIn Defense of Animals
Vote yes on Initiative 86, and spread the word to other D.C. residents!
In Defense of Animals · Washington, D.C. Residents: Vote to Ban Foie Gras on Nov. 3
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ForPro-Animal Future
In Washington D.C. we’re petitioning to end the force-feeding of birds and the sale of force-fed foie gras in 2026.
ForPro-Animal DC
Foie gras is often featured as a seasonal, luxury item, not something restaurants depend on for revenue.
The money
ForPro-Animal DC
(c) Total Receipts [from Line (16)] $ 331,459.03 $ 342,845.99
DC Office of Campaign Finance · Pro-Animal DC — July 31st Report (Amended)
ForPro-Animal DC
All One God Faith, Inc ¨ Cash ¨ Money Order ¨ Check day, year) Receipt This Period 1335 Park Center Dr, Vista, CA 92081 ¨ Cashier Check ¨ Credit Card 07/31/2026 $ 86,616.00
DC Office of Campaign Finance · Pro-Animal DC — July 31st Report (Amended)
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ForPro-Animal DC
(c) Total Receipts [from Line (16)] $ 19,992.13 $ 362,838.12
DC Office of Campaign Finance · Pro-Animal DC — Second Report
Related laws and measures
California Legislature
The bill would prohibit a person from force feeding a bird for the purpose of enlarging the bird’s liver beyond normal size, and would prohibit a person from hiring another person to do so. The bill would also prohibit a product from being sold in the state if it is the result of force feeding a bird for the purpose of enlarging the bird’s liver beyond normal size.
California Legislative Information · SB-1520 Force fed birds.
The New York City Council
No retail food establishment or food service establishment, or agent thereof, shall store, keep, maintain, offer for sale, or sell any force-fed product or food containing a force-fed product.
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District of Columbia Board of Elections
ORDERED that the “Prohibiting Force-Feeding of Birds Act” is ACCEPTED pursuant to D.C. Official Code § 1-1001.16(b)(2).
DC Board of Elections · Memorandum Opinion and Order, No. 25-018
Candidates on it
ForOye Owolewa
That’s why I hope you’ll join me in voting yes on Initiative 86 to end the sale of foie gras made from force-fed birds.
What people are saying
ForJames_Fortis
Getting rid of the most egregious forms of torture / abuse is a good first step. Getting rid of larger ones, like factory farming, will be more difficult.
AgainstMayorofTromaville
It really does raise the question on whether the threshold to qualify is high enough when such non-issues like this can go anywhere.
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CaptainApathy419
I’m not opposed to banning foie gras, but is this really a pressing issue? How many restaurants even sell it?
Reading it the other way
Glen Lee
Funds are not sufficient in the fiscal year 2026 through fiscal year 2029 budget and financial plan to implement the proposed initiative.
AgainstBart Hutchins
Fewer serious people cooking foie means fewer people seriously caring about where it comes from.