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City of Denver Citizen-Led Ballot Initiative: Slaughterhouse Ban

Hello All,

Some of you may have heard about an upcoming Denver ballot initiative banning slaughterhouses called the City of Denver Citizen-Led Ballot Initiative: Slaughterhouse Ban. Denver city staff and agencies are not legally able to take stances in support or opposition of city or state ballot initiatives, however we are able to share ballot initiative information that is relevant to stakeholders. I am not able to answer questions on behalf of the ballot initiative directly since it is not a city-led initiative, however I can refer you to other resources.

The initiative is aimed at closing animal processing facilities in the City and County of Denver. The only facility it would impact is Superior Farms, a lamb processing facility here in Denver. I’ve compiled some resources below that may help to explain the issue further if you’d like to explore the arguments in support or opposition of the effort.

Denver Clerk & Recorder Ballot Initiative Language: https://denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Clerk-and-Recorder/Elections-Division/Campaign-Hub/Candidate-and-Initiative-Tracking

The group who initiated the ballot is Pro Animal Futures.  You can read their reasoning for the initiative here on their website.

PBS in Iowa did this segment featuring spokespeople from Pro Animal Futures, Superior Farms, and a rancher who uses their facilities.

Here is a study by CSU showing the impact on the ag economy and consumer preferences.

An article from Meat and Poultry magazine provides more specifics on the plant and its closing.

A Westword editorial interviews community members for their thoughts and perspectives.

I hope this is helpful in further explaining this ballot initiative.

Marion