Oregon Initiative Petition 28 Seeks to Ban Animal Slaughter, Hunting and Testing by Extending Pet-Level Cruelty Protections to All Animals

OREGON — A proposed ballot measure that supporters acknowledge is a “long shot” could dramatically reshape agriculture, hunting, fishing and animal research across the state by extending the same cruelty protections given to pets to all animals.

Initiative Petition 28, currently in the signature-gathering phase, seeks to expand Oregon’s animal cruelty laws to include farm animals, wildlife and animals used in research labs — a move that would effectively prohibit slaughter, hunting, fishing and animal testing if passed.

What Initiative Petition 28 Would Do

David Michelson, the lead petitioner behind the measure, says the goal is to shift Oregon away from what he calls a system where killing animals is the default solution for food production, research and wildlife management.

If approved by voters in November 2026, the proposal would require that animals statewide receive protections similar to those already extended to companion animals like dogs and cats. That means eliminating slaughter for food, ending hunting and fishing practices and phasing out animal testing.

Supporters argue that non-lethal alternatives already exist in many industries. Michelson points to plant-based agriculture, lab-grown research methods and wildlife population management strategies such as sterilization and birth control programs.

Impact on Agriculture and Industry

Agriculture represents roughly 13% of Oregon’s gross sales product, with about 30% tied to animal products and 70% to crops, according to Michelson’s campaign.

Under the proposal, animal-based agriculture would transition to plant-based production. Supporters suggest farms could convert operations — such as poultry or hog farms shifting toward mushroom or crop production.

The initiative also includes a transition fund intended to help affected workers and industries adapt. The fund would provide job retraining, income replacement and industry support, overseen by a council representing impacted groups.

Long Odds but Symbolic Push

Michelson openly acknowledges that winning majority support in 2026 may be unlikely. However, he describes the effort as both political and symbolic, drawing comparisons to historic ballot movements like women’s suffrage, which required multiple attempts before succeeding.

Supporters say even if the measure fails, it could spark broader conversations about animal welfare and shift public attitudes over time.

Critics have raised concerns about the sweeping economic implications, particularly for ranchers, fishermen, hunters and researchers whose livelihoods depend on current practices.

Signature Deadline Approaching

Campaign organizers say they have collected just over 100,000 signatures so far and must submit all required signatures by July 2 to qualify for the November 2026 ballot.

If the measure qualifies, it would set up what could be one of the most consequential and controversial statewide debates in Oregon’s recent history.

Would Oregon voters support a complete transition away from animal slaughter and hunting, or is the proposal too far-reaching to pass? Share your thoughts in the comments and follow ongoing coverage at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.