Full Breakdown
Oregon Initiative Petition 28 Seeks to Ban Hunting, Fishing and Other Animal Practices
5/29/2026, 8:43:36 PM
Core Proposal and Legal Scope
Initiative Petition 28 (IP 28), the People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE) Act, would criminalize killing or “injuring” any animal in Oregon. It removes exemptions for hunting, fishing, rodeos, commercial poultry, livestock castration/neutering, scientific research and livestock slaughter, while allowing self-defense and veterinary care. If validated, it will appear on the November 2026 ballot.
Legislative History and the PEACE Act
Oregon’s animal-cruelty laws currently protect only companion animals. IP 28 seeks to extend protection to wild animals, livestock and research animals, redefining legal treatment of many agricultural and recreational practices. The initiative has previously failed to qualify for the ballot.
Sponsors and Opponents
Campaign leader David Michelson heads the effort. Opponents include Sen. Christine Drazan, the Oregon Farm Bureau and the Oregon Hunters Association.
Signature Collection Timeline
The petition was filed Feb 15 2026. By early May, 120,000 signatures were reported, surpassing the 117,000 needed. The submission deadline is July 2; verification may take up to 30 days.
Scope of Ban and Affected Population
The measure bans hunting, fishing, rodeos, commercial poultry, livestock castration/neutering, research and slaughter; over one million residents could be affected.
Anticipated Economic and Cultural Effects
Industry groups warn the ban could force a shift to vegan diets or imported food, raising costs. Sen. Drazan says it threatens thousands of jobs; proponents cite plant-based investment.
Official Statements & Responses
Initiative website says it aims to meet needs, protect animal welfare and promote plant-based agriculture. Oregon Hunters Association will launch an opposition campaign if measure qualifies. Oregon Farm Bureau warns bill could expose farmers, veterinarians to criminal liability. Senator Drazan called it an “all-out assault on Oregonians’ way of life.” Secretary of State has not begun verification.
Criticism & Opposition
Opponents argue the ban would criminalize longstanding, lawful activities in agriculture and natural-resource management, jeopardize food security and undermine cultural traditions tied to hunting and fishing.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on how many signatures will be deemed valid; verification has not started, and the exact number of eligible signatories remains unknown. No independent polling on voter support is provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I am grateful that we have been picking up speed the past few months,” — David Michelson, Campaign Leader
- “It criminalizes ranchers, farmers, meat producers and threatens to kill thousands of jobs.” — Senator Christine Drazan, Republican State Senator
- “Oregonians would be forced either into a vegan lifestyle or to rely on food shipped in from other states or countries,” — Oregon Farm Bureau
- “ Petition proponent David Michelson said: We really want to make Oregon the first state to vote on something like this.” — David Michelson, Initiative Proponent
Next Steps
Signatures must be submitted by July 2. The Secretary of State then has up to 30 days to verify them. A successful verification will place IP 28 on the November 2026 ballot; otherwise the initiative will not appear.
