Denver Democrats Oppose Proposed Slaughterhouse Ban in November Ballot
In a significant stance on an upcoming ballot initiative, the Denver Democratic Central Committee has voiced its opposition to the proposed ban on slaughterhouses within the city limits.
The initiative, if passed, would prevent the construction and operation of any new slaughterhouses in Denver, but the Democrats made their position clear with a resounding vote of 207-12 against the ban.
The proposal has already drawn opposition from prominent local voices, including renowned chefs Jose Avila and Andrea Frizzi, who have spoken out publicly against it.
Agriculture leaders, such as Isabel Bautista from Superior Farms, Paul Andrews of the National Western Stock Show, and Kenny Rogers of the Colorado Livestock Association, have joined the chorus of those opposing the measure.
Superior Farms, the largest lamb processing plant in the U.S., would be the most directly impacted by this ban. The employee-owned business processes 1,500 lambs daily, employing 160 people—many of whom are Denver residents.
The opposition campaign, Stop the Ban, Protect Jobs, highlights the risk of job loss and increased costs to ship meat from out of state if the ban succeeds.
While the Pro-Animal Denver group, which supports the ban, has raised over $248,000, the opposition has outpaced them, securing more than $957,000 from a variety of contributors.
These include Superior Farms and industry associations like the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and the United Food & Commercial Workers.
With the ballot set for November, Denver residents are at the crossroads of a decision that pits local jobs and a long-standing business against the ethical and regulatory concerns of modern meat processing.
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