This year’s election brought both heartbreak and hope for animal advocates. Several groundbreaking initiatives that aimed to challenge animal exploitation and protect vulnerable lives were put before voters in California and Colorado. While none of these measures succeeded at the ballot box, their very presence signals an important shift; more people are beginning to stand up and speak out for animals.

Denver's Measure 309: Ban Slaughterhouses

Measure 309 proposed banning slaughterhouses within Denver city limits, including Superior Farms, the nation’s largest lamb slaughterhouse. This facility has been exposed for its egregious cruelty, with undercover footage showing lambs being brutally mistreated, many still conscious after their throats were cut. Unfortunately, nearly 65% of voters opposed the measure, allowing slaughterhouses to continue operating.

Denver's Ordinance 308: Ban the Sale of Fur

Denver voters also considered Ordinance 308, which sought to ban the sale of fur. While over 57% of voters opposed the measure, a significant 42% supported ending this cruel practice, reflecting progress in public awareness and a growing rejection of the fur trade.

This year’s Fur Free Friday on November 29 saw activists nationwide raising their voices against the fur industry. In Portland, Oregon, advocates joined forces for a powerful protest outside Louis Vuitton, amplifying the call for a fur-free future. Events like these remind us that the fight against fur is far from over, but public sentiment continues to shift toward compassion.

Colorado's Big Cats Initiative: Ban Trophy Hunting

Colorado voters also rejected a measure to ban the trophy hunting of big cats, including mountain lions, bobcats, and lynx. Despite falling short with 45.5% of voters in favor, this initiative highlighted the growing recognition that killing wild animals for sport is inhumane and unnecessary.

Sonoma County's Measure J: Ban Factory Farms

In Sonoma County, California, Measure J aimed to prohibit factory farms, known as Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs), which confine millions of animals in appalling conditions. With only 15% of voters supporting the measure, the fight to end factory farming in the region faces significant challenges.

While these outcomes were not what we hoped for, the fact that such measures reached the ballot is itself a victory. Public awareness is growing, and these campaigns have brought critical animal welfare issues to the forefront. Change rarely happens overnight, but each step — no matter how small — brings us closer to a world where animals are treated with the respect and compassion they deserve.

Learn more about how In Defense of Animals helps animals of all kinds, and consider making a donation to support our critical work. Together, we will continue to fight for animals, knowing that every action we take contributes to a brighter future.