Oregon Initiative Petition 28 has unofficially reached the number of signatures needed for the November 2026 ballot, though state officials must still verify the petitions.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom,
A proposed Oregon ballot initiative that would expand animal cruelty laws and effectively ban hunting, fishing and some animal breeding practices has unofficially reached the signature threshold needed to appear before voters in November 2026.
Oregon Initiative Petition 28, also known as the People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions Act, or PEACE Act, reached the threshold last week, according to KATU. The signatures must still be verified by the Oregon secretary of state’s office before the measure can formally qualify for the ballot.
The proposal has drawn attention from hunting, fishing and agricultural groups because of its broad language. Supporters say the measure is intended to expand animal cruelty protections beyond pets, while critics say it would criminalize long-established outdoor, farming and research practices.
Breitbart News noted on Feb. 16 that the petition was being pushed in Oregon. A day earlier, KOIN reported that the official name of the proposal is the People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions Act.
The measure would alter Oregon’s existing animal cruelty statutes, which currently focus protections on pets such as dogs and cats. Under the proposed change, protections would be expanded to include wild animals, livestock and animals used in research.
Petition proponent David Michelson said supporters want Oregon voters to consider a policy shift on the treatment and killing of animals.
“We really want to make Oregon the first state to vote on something like this. We are aware that it’s unlikely 50% of Oregonians are ready right now to move away from killing animals. But we want to get that conversation out there. So that we can hopefully move in that direction,” Michelson said.
KATU reported that IP 28 “would make it illegal to injure or kill animals and would effectively ban hunting, fishing and the breeding of animals.”
The proposal’s next step is signature verification. If election officials confirm that supporters submitted enough valid signatures, the measure will be placed on Oregon’s November 2026 ballot.
The initiative is expected to generate significant debate if certified, particularly among sportsmen, ranchers, animal rights advocates, researchers and voters concerned about how far animal cruelty laws should extend.
Original article
Comments