Oregon Ballot Measure Seeks to Ban Hunting and Fishing

Initiative Petition 28 would extend animal cruelty protections to wild animals and livestock

Feb. 6, 2026 at 6:15pm

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A contentious ballot initiative in Oregon, known as the PEACE Act (Initiative Petition 28), is aiming to dramatically reshape the legal landscape surrounding animal use in the state. If approved by voters in November 2026, the measure would eliminate exemptions that currently allow for activities like hunting, fishing, and livestock farming without being considered animal cruelty.

Why it matters

The initiative faces strong opposition from various industries, including the Oregon Hunters Association, who warn that IP28 could have far-reaching consequences and effectively ban a range of activities from hunting and fishing to ranching and animal research. The outcome of this initiative could set a precedent for animal rights legislation nationwide.

The details

IP28 seeks to extend animal cruelty protections currently afforded to pets to include wild animals, livestock, and those used in research. The measure would make it a crime to intentionally injure or kill an animal, with limited exceptions for self-defense and veterinary care. Supporters argue the initiative is a necessary step to protect animals from abuse, neglect, and unnecessary killing. Opponents, however, suggest the measure could force Oregonians to rely on imported meat products if local livestock farming becomes illegal, and one provision specifically reclassifies animal husbandry practices as 'sexual assault of an animal'.

  • The initiative must gather 117,173 valid signatures from registered Oregon voters by July 2 to qualify for the November 2026 ballot.
  • As of November 21, 2025, the campaign had already collected 87,776 signatures, indicating significant momentum.

The players

People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE)

The group behind the ballot initiative, arguing the measure is a necessary step to protect animals from abuse, neglect, and unnecessary killing.

Oregon Hunters Association

An industry group that opposes the initiative, warning it could have far-reaching consequences and effectively ban hunting, fishing, and other activities.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

What’s next

The outcome of this initiative could set a precedent for animal rights legislation nationwide.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing debate between animal rights advocates and industries that rely on activities like hunting, fishing, and livestock farming. The initiative's potential impact on these industries and the broader implications for animal welfare legislation make it a significant issue to watch in Oregon's 2026 election.