A citizen-proposed initiative seeks to prohibit all use of livestock slaughterhouses in the city of Denver, CO. The proposal is currently in the signature gathering phase to make it onto next year’s ballot.
The initiative would ban the construction, maintenance or use of slaughterhouses within the city, and require the city to implement a worker assistance program to assist those who were employed by the facilities. If passed, the proposal would go into effect Jan. 1, 2026.
“Slaughterhouses are nuisances upon the neighborhoods in which they operate, due to the foul odors which they produce, their unsightly industrial facades, and the disagreeable nature of their operation,” the ordinance read.
It continues that employment in such facilities is associated with “exceptionally high rates of workplace injury,” along with “mental illness and addiction due to the unique psychological harms experienced by slaughterhouse workers.”
The proposal also points to climate change, alleging that animal agricultural operations are a significant cause, and advocates for a plant-based food system.
“Eliminating slaughterhouses in Denver will promote community awareness of animal welfare, bolster the city’s stance against animal cruelty, and in turn, foster a more humane environment in Denver,” the ordinance read.
Petitioners have until Nov. 7 to collect about 26,000 valid signatures. Petitioner committee members are linked to various animal activist organizations. — Anna Miller, WLJ managing editor
