A ballot initiative in Oregon would effectively ban hunting, fishing, and ranching by removing long-standing exemptions in the state’s animal cruelty statutes. Initiative Petition 28, organized by David Michelson, has reportedly gathered roughly 105,000 of the 117,713 verified signatures required by early July to qualify for the November ballot.

Supporters call the proposal the People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE) Act. If approved, legal protections currently applied to pets would extend to wildlife, livestock, and animals used in research. The measure includes limited exceptions for veterinarians and for individuals acting in self-defense.

Michelson acknowledged that a majority of voters may not yet support ending the killing of animals for food or sport but said the campaign is intended to begin shifting public opinion. He has stated that the proposal would also establish a transition fund to provide financial assistance for those who rely on hunting to feed their families. The initiative further mandates non-lethal wildlife management practices, such as introducing sterile males to control animal populations.

Opponents argue the measure would have sweeping consequences. Representatives of the Oregon Hunters Association say the proposal threatens wildlife management, rural communities, and the broader state economy. They contend that regulated hunting plays a role in controlling animal populations and sustaining local industries, particularly in coastal and agricultural regions.

According to a February 2025 report from Oregon State University, cattle ranching contributes more than $900 million annually to Oregon’s economy. The state has approximately 11,000 cattle ranches and roughly 15 million acres dedicated to grazing, primarily in southern and eastern regions.

Critics also point to rising grocery prices, including record-high beef costs nationwide, as a factor voters may weigh when considering restrictions on livestock production and hunting.

If enough signatures are verified, Oregon voters will decide in November whether to adopt one of the most far-reaching animal policy measures proposed in the country.