WATCH GABRIEL’s Statement on Instagram

Background

Question: Can you briefly tell us a story that impacted the way you feel about animals?

Answer: I was in a college class about 8 years ago learning about the meat industrial complex. I learned that all of those animals who go through the industrial system only exist to be slaughtered. They often live short, painful, and chaotic lives. That’s depressing as hell, nothing should ever have to ensure such miserable existence.

Prohibit Force-Feeding Birds Act

Question: Certain products made from animals are created using especially cruel practices. Bans of specific products have ample precedent, notably with statewide bans of fur and foie gras in California. The “Prohibit Force-Feeding Birds Act” has now been confirmed for the ballot in Denver. Will you endorse it? In addition, would you support a statewide force-feeding ban?

Answer: Yes.

Intensive Confinement

Question: Since the start of 2025, all eggs sold in Colorado have been required to be from cage-free hens. Are you willing to protect this legislation and similar legislation, like Colorado’s ban on the use of gestation crates for pigs?

Answer: Yes.

Climate-Friendly Food & Fair Competition

Question: Federal subsidies overwhelmingly favor animal-based foods, regardless of how they’re produced. Would you support state-level policies to create a more level playing field — for example, directing state procurement toward food produced to higher welfare and environmental standards, creating tax incentives for plant-based protein production in Colorado, requiring state-run facilities to offer a plant-based meal option, or supporting grant programs for farmers transitioning away from factory farming?

Answer: Yes, as long as there is a transition plan for meat plant workers who may negatively be impacted by the rise of plant-based foods.

Pain Relief

Question: The American Veterinary Medical Association recommends pain relief for common agricultural practices like castration, dehorning, teeth clipping, and tail docking; polling consistently shows that the vast majority of Americans support the same. Several countries, including the UK and members of the EU already require or incentivize pain relief for these procedures. Would you support requiring pain relief during painful procedures performed on farmed animals in Colorado?

Answer: Yes.

Other

Question: What else would you like to share? Please add anything else that might be helpful regarding your past or current support for pro-animal policies.

Answer: I am a proud supporter of Conservation Colorado and was named their 2025 Emerging Climate Leader. Animal welfare goes hand in hand with conservation efforts and environmental justice. Justice is extended to all living things, including our rivers, our air, and our planet.