Well-Funded Group Pushes D.C. Foie Gras Ban as Part of National Strategy

A local ballot measure in Washington, D.C., aiming to ban foie gras and other products derived from fattened birds, known as Initiative 86, is being heavily funded by Pro-Animal Future, an Oregon-based nonprofit. Financial filings reveal the campaign has raised nearly half a million dollars, much of which is underwritten by the national animal-rights network that views local ballot initiatives as stepping stones toward a broader "pro-animal future."

Pro-Animal DC, the local arm of the campaign, reported collecting $474,190.62 between September 2025 and October 2026. Pro-Animal Future provided the majority of these funds, contributing $386,435.77. A significant portion of the campaign's expenses, approximately one-quarter, totaling $126,780.36, has been allocated to paid professional organizer Cady Witt, who also serves as the treasurer for Pro-Animal DC. Additionally, the campaign spent $89,224.00 on payments to 64 individuals described as "consultant - circulator" for petition gathering.

While the campaign presents itself as a grassroots effort, its financial backing and stated long-term goals suggest a more coordinated strategy. Pro-Animal Future's IRS filings identify it as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit, also known as Pro-Animal DC, focused on changing public attitudes towards animal agriculture. Its related 501(c)(3) nonprofit, Pax Fauna, based in Denver, has outlined a 10-year roadmap that includes building local ballot campaigns and pursuing statewide bans on what it terms "factory-farming" to establish "animal freedom."

Initiative 86's language has sparked debate. The measure defines a "fattened bird liver product" broadly, covering items made from birds fattened "through any method or practice." This has led to concerns from some, including former D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine and attorney Jon Mandel, that the ban could extend beyond foie gras to include other poultry-liver products. Pro-Animal Future's spokeswoman, Natalie Fulton, stated that the campaign's intent is solely to prohibit force-feeding and foie gras sales, asserting that "fattened" refers to the enlargement of livers specific to foie gras production. However, the campaign acknowledged that D.C. agencies and courts may interpret the law's stated purpose if its wording is ambiguous.

Restaurants that serve foie gras have expressed opposition. Bart Hutchins, chef and co-owner of Butterworth’s, a Capitol Hill restaurant, warned that the measure could impact a significant number of products and indicated his establishment would consider legal challenges if it passes. He views the initiative as part of a larger movement to restrict food choices nationwide. Celebrity chef José Andrés also questioned the ban's potential broader implications.

The D.C. Chief Financial Officer estimates the measure's implementation would cost $314,000 between fiscal years 2026 and 2029, primarily for an additional inspector. The fiscal impact statement noted that the District's Department of Energy and Environment does not currently inspect restaurant kitchens and the proposed inspector's role would focus on investigating complaints and coordinating with other agencies.

Producers in New York state's Catskills region, where two commercial foie gras farms operate, argue their practices are humane and do not cause pain to the ducks. The Catskill Foie Gras Collective states its member farms raise ducks cage-free and employ approximately 400 people. They contend that the process of producing foie gras does not harm the birds and that feeding is paused if a duck has not finished digesting its previous meal.

The initiative, with D.C. residents voting on election day, represents a focal point in Pro-Animal Future's strategy to "storm the nation" and reshape animal agriculture practices across the country.