Oregon Democrats Reject Petition 28 as Animal-Rights Measure Threatens Hunting and Livestock
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 21
Oregon Democrats Reject Petition 28 as Animal-Rights Measure Threatens Hunting and Livestock
3 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 21
Summary
Initiative Petition 28 has pushed Oregon Democrats, including Gov. Tina Kotek, to publicly distance themselves from a 2026 measure they see as politically toxic.
The proposal would extend anti-cruelty protections to all animals, effectively banning hunting, trapping, fishing, animal research, lethal pest control and conventional livestock production.
Organizer David Michelson said the goal is a system where animals are no longer killed or harmed, putting the measure far outside Oregon Democrats’ political comfort zone.
Democratic strategists say no establishment Democrat would support Petition 28, fearing Republicans will use it to revive attacks that portray the party as culturally out of touch.
Oregon's animal rights vote is the most extreme yet. Is this the future for American food and farming?
If killing any animal becomes a crime in Oregon, what does this mean for your dinner and your home?
If Oregon bans farming and hunting, what replaces a billion-dollar economy and a traditional way of life?
Oregon IP28 Ballot Initiative: The High-Stakes Battle Over Banning Hunting, Fishing, and Animal Agriculture in 2026
Overview
Initiative Petition 28 (IP28) is set to appear on Oregon’s November 2026 ballot after a strong signature-gathering campaign by its supporters. The measure seeks to extend protections from pets to all animals, including livestock, fish, and wildlife, aiming to ban hunting, fishing, and animal agriculture. While proponents see this as a step toward broader animal welfare, they admit that gaining majority support may take time, as cultural and economic changes often come before new laws. However, IP28 faces strong bipartisan opposition, with critics warning it could disrupt traditional practices, threaten food security, and harm conservation efforts.