Oregon voters have moved one step closer this week to potentially banning hunting, fishing and animal agriculture.
On Thursday, activists submitted a final batch of signatures to state officials for a ballot measure that would effectively criminalize such practices.
The proposal, known as the People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE) Act, has not officially qualified for the ballot yet. State officials have until August to decide whether it goes to a popular vote in November elections.
The measure, Initiative Petition 28, would remove hunting, fishing and livestock husbandry exceptions from the state’s animal abuse law.
“We want to see the state of Oregon stop killing animals,” David Michelson, who is spearheading the campaign, told KGW of the effort, his third attempt to get such rules on the ballot.
The initiative has inspired widespread opposition from a bipartisan group of elected leaders, hunting groups and animal advocates.
“I oppose it,” Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said in a May statement. “Criminalizing activities like hunting and fishing would be wrong for Oregon. I know Tribal leaders, family farmers and ranchers and Oregonians across the state who care deeply about protecting our land, waters and wildlife. This petition does nothing to help them.”
The proposal would imperil the livelihood of 37,000 farms and ranches employing over 80,000 workers, while kneecapping the hunting and fishing-related revenue that’s the primary funding source for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, the Oregon Hunters Association argues.
The International Association of Canine Professionals, meanwhile, argues the proposal would “shift animal policy away from practical welfare standards and toward ideology-driven restrictions that can place responsible owners, trainers, breeders, handlers, farmers, ranchers, veterinarians, sportsmen, and working-animal professionals at risk.”
Despite the pushback, the campaign has already made strides compared to past years.
A 2022 effort to get the animal rules on the ballot got about 2,000 signatures, while a 2024 effort got roughly 40,000, according to Michelson.
The campaign has gotten a boost this cycle from more than $300,000 in cash contributions and loans, including from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, according to state campaign finance records obtained by Oregon Public Broadcasting.
Twenty-two states recognize the right to hunt and fish in their constitution, according to the National Rifle Association, while 11 states have bans on Sunday hunting.
