Even the Backers of Measure to Ban Hunting, Livestock in Oregon Think It Will Fail

By Alejandro Figueroa

Animal rights activists want to effectively criminalize hunting, fishing and livestock husbandry and slaughtering in what could be Oregon’s only statewide initiative this fall.

It has not yet qualified to be on the November ballot — though it appears on track. On Thursday, organizers submitted their final batch of signatures to the Secretary of State’s Office, bringing the total to over 142,000 collected signatures.

But even the campaign’s own backers don’t think it’s likely to receive a majority “yes” vote, although they’re not giving up.

Initiative Petition 28, titled People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions, would extend legal protections to animals beyond just cats and dogs. Insects wouldn’t count since they are not considered animals under Oregon law.

The initiative would remove exceptions for hunting, fishing and livestock husbandry and slaughtering from the state’s animal abuse law.

It would also set up a transition fund to help ranchers, for instance, with financial assistance or seek training for some other job. And it would prohibit people from owning an animal if they have been convicted of animal abuse.

Oregon elected officials, recreational hunting, fishing and agriculture groups have been quick to denounce the campaign — although they largely don’t think it has any chance of passing.

“I think that any time you propose an idea that is such a minority position, it’s going to be labeled as extreme,” said David Michelson, one of the campaign’s chief petitioners and an animal rights and vegan advocate. “I think that this is something that, if we want to succeed in the future, it will help if we start asking for it now.”

Still, farm groups are taking it seriously, said Austin McClister, a spokesperson for the Oregon Farm Bureau.

“You know the saying, don’t argue with stupid. We’re being forced to argue with stupid right now,” McClister said. “This is a serious conversation because it affects families all across Oregon. If you’re a farmer and you participate in animal agriculture, that means you lose your livelihood. It’s a serious issue, and so we have to respond to it seriously.”