Colorado Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation Initiative (2022)

The Colorado Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation Initiative (PAUSE) was a proposed ballot initiative that appeared on the November 2022 general election ballot in Colorado as Amendment 3. The initiative sought to add language to the Colorado Constitution concerning the treatment of animals. Specifically, it aimed to prevent animals from being unnecessarily subjected to suffering or exploitation, and to require that all living beings with the capacity to experience pain and distress be treated with compassion and respect.

The proposed amendment would have given any resident of Colorado the ability to bring a civil lawsuit against anyone they believed was violating the animal welfare provisions of the amendment. This aspect of the initiative generated significant debate and controversy.

Supporters argued that the amendment would provide enhanced protections for animals and ensure more humane treatment across various sectors, including agriculture, entertainment, and research. They believed that the current laws were insufficient and that a constitutional amendment was needed to establish a higher standard of care.

Opponents, including agricultural and business groups, raised concerns about the potential economic impact of the amendment, arguing that it could lead to frivolous lawsuits, increased operational costs, and negatively affect various industries. They also expressed apprehension about the broad language of the initiative and the potential for subjective interpretations that could create legal uncertainty.

Ultimately, the Colorado Protect Animals from Unnecessary Suffering and Exploitation Initiative (2022), Amendment 3, was defeated in the November 2022 election.