A controversial ballot initiative that would ban hunting, fishing and animal slaughter in Oregon is one step closer to reaching voters after supporters submitted more than 140,000 signatures to the state.
Supporters of Initiative Petition 28, also known as the PEACE Act, announced Thursday that they turned in roughly 140,000 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office. It marks the campaign’s strongest showing after two previous attempts to qualify for the ballot.
The state now must verify the signatures. Officials have until Aug. 2 to determine whether the measure qualifies for the November general election.
If approved by voters, the proposal would expand Oregon’s animal cruelty laws to cover animals raised on farms, used in research and living in the wild. Supporters say it would extend the same legal protections currently given to companion animals. Opponents say it would effectively end animal agriculture, commercial fishing, hunting and other industries that rely on animals.
Campaign organizers say their effort has steadily grown since it first launched in 2020.
“We’re asking, let’s make the default option not kill animals,” said David Michelson, one of the initiative’s chief petitioners. “It is trying to shift all of us together.”
The proposal has generated strong opposition from farmers, ranchers, hunters, anglers and restaurant owners across Oregon.
At Portland’s historic Dan & Louis Oyster Bar, owner Meinert Wachsmuth said he worries the measure could have wide-ranging impacts.
“The business implications are definitely going to be challenging if that were to pass,” Wachsmuth said. “I think it has more of an impact on families. Hunting and fishing create bonds you can’t find anywhere else.”
Wachsmuth said he supports improving animal welfare but believes Oregonians should make those choices for themselves.
“When you get to that point where you realize the truth and you’re going to do everything in your life to support that, that’s wonderful,” he said. “But when you get to that point, give everybody else a chance to come to that point themselves. Don’t force them into something that should be a choice.”
Opponents argue the proposal would fundamentally change Oregon’s economy and outdoor traditions.
“This extreme proposal is causing a lot of heartburn for a lot of folks across the state of Oregon,” said Todd Adkins, executive director of the Oregon Hunters Association. “Commercial fishing is gone. Ranching is gone. It would literally flip this state on its head. It would change everything overnight.”
Supporters say the initiative is intended to spark a broader conversation about how animals are treated and whether Oregon should move away from practices that involve killing animals.
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The Secretary of State’s Office will now review and verify the signatures. If enough are deemed valid, Oregon voters will decide the measure in November.
We thank Rescuing Cujo, for sheltering and providing for Pepper all these months, the Veterinary staff for helping save her, and of course, Tami, for adopting her!
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Trap Free Montana’s current major projects are public awareness and education through our continuing billboards across Montana, medical/rehab cost assistance for trapping victims, litigation, supporting nonlethal methods, and rewards for the conviction of poachers, particularly, trappers.
Unusual case share: Of 62 active U.S. bird flu cases in April 2026, 23 involve backyard flocks — a higher proportion than seen in past outbreaks.
Human health link: The CDC has reported 71 human A(H5) cases since 2024, with two deaths, underscoring the need for protective gear and thorough cooking.
Prevention priority: Experts urge strict biosecurity: limit coop visitors, separate from wild birds, wear PPE, and report sick birds to authorities immediately.
As of April 2026, 23 of 62 active U.S. bird flu cases involve backyard flocks, or roughly 37%, an unusually high share compared to prior outbreaks where commercial operations dominated. Experts like Penn State’s Dervan Bryan warn that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) remains a severe threat to domestic birds, with high mortality rates. The virus spreads easily from wild waterfowl via direct contact or contaminated environments, making even well-kept coops vulnerable. The Kansas City Star + 2
The virus is highly contagious and it affects all avian species and it can be very devastating. We are concerned about the highly pathogenic avian influenza because this one has a very high mortality rate in domestic avian species.
Dervan Bryan,Penn State poultry scientistThe Kansas City Star+ 2
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Backyard chickens make up one-third of active US bird flu cases. Here’s what that means for your flock
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From 2025 crisis to current outbreak
The 2025 HPAI outbreak devastated U.S. poultry, killing millions of commercial birds and spiking egg prices to record highs. While the current outbreak is smaller in scale, it is notable for affecting a greater proportion of backyard flocks and for the virus’s spread to other species, including dairy cows. In Idaho, the same strain affecting dairies forced depopulation of a poultry facility, showing how cross-species transmission is shaping this wave. Miami Herald + 2
The CDC has recorded 71 U.S. human cases of A(H5) bird flu since February 2024, with two fatalities. Human infection typically follows prolonged unprotected contact with infected animals or contaminated materials, but can also occur via undercooked poultry, eggs, beef, or unpasteurized milk. Symptoms range from fever, cough, and sore throat to eye irritation and diarrhea, and antiviral treatments like oseltamivir are available if detected early. The Kansas City Star + 2
Biosecurity measures for poultry owners
Veterinarians and state officials urge poultry owners to adopt strict biosecurity: wear PPE including goggles, gloves, boots, and masks; limit coop visitors; and prevent contact between domestic and wild birds. In Idaho, officials stress dedicated footwear, handwashing, and cleaning gear to prevent virus introduction. Owners should report suspected cases immediately, as avian influenza is a reportable disease, and monitor themselves for symptoms for 10 days after exposure. The Kansas City Star + 2
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The Kansas City Star
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