Olivia the duck has emerged as an unlikely symbol in Washington, D.C.’s ongoing debate over a ballot initiative aimed at banning the sale of foie gras, a delicacy made from the fattened livers of ducks or geese. On the plaza of the Lincoln Memorial, Olivia, a light gray-and-white duck weighing about four and a half pounds, has attracted attention from passersby ahead of the Nov. 3 vote, serving as a living mascot for supporters of Initiative 86.

The proposed measure seeks to prohibit the sale of foie gras in the District, targeting the practice of force-feeding birds with tubes inserted down their esophagus to artificially enlarge their livers before slaughter. Advocates, including the animal welfare group Pro-Animal DC and Olivia’s owner, Meghan Abrego, argue that such force-feeding constitutes animal cruelty. Abrego, a French Cajun and trained emergency medical technician, maintains that the initiative focuses specifically on practices deemed inhumane and does not affect other meats such as chicken.

Opponents of the ban view the effort as an overreach of government authority and a threat to culinary diversity. Bart Hutchins, a chef and co-owner of Capitol Hill’s Butterworth’s restaurant, described the measure as a move that could homogenize cuisine. Hutchins has expressed plans to counter the ban through creative culinary events, including a tasting menu featuring foie gras dishes and a foie gras Twinkie dessert, aiming to raise funds to fight the proposal. Hutchins also argues that force-feeding is not uniquely harmful compared to other animal husbandry methods.

The debate over foie gras is part of a broader national discussion. Similar laws exist or are proposed in other cities, including New York and Denver. New York City enacted a law in 2019 banning the sale of products from force-fed waterfowl, although legal challenges have delayed its enforcement.

In D.C., the controversy has sparked protests at restaurants serving foie gras, with demonstrators carrying signs and interrupting events to draw attention to the issue. Olivia’s frequent public appearances at farmers markets, parks, and monuments, as well as her social media presence — including a dedicated YouTube channel — have helped generate significant attention for the ban’s supporters.

If voters approve Initiative 86, the ban would go into effect on July 1, 2027. Enforcement would include fines for violations and public education efforts. While some critics argue that other policy issues might warrant greater urgency, Abrego and her fellow activists emphasize their commitment to ending what they view as cruel treatment of ducks used in foie gras production.