SALEM Ore. (KPTV) – Animal rights advocates are close to having enough signatures to qualify a ballot measure in Oregon that would dramatically change how animals are treated under state law, including banning most hunting, fishing, livestock farming and animal research.
The proposed measure Initiative Petition 28, would remove many long-standing exemptions in Oregon’s animal cruelty laws. Under the initiative, most activities that hurt or kill animals would become criminal offenses. Exemptions would remain for self-defense and veterinary care.
The chief petitioner David Michelson told FOX 12 on Thursday, that they have about 105,000 signatures. By law, they need 117,173 verified signatures to qualify for the ballot in November. There’s no indication how many of the signatures gathered so far will be verified.
Michelson compared the initiative to the women’s suffrage movement.
We’re inspired a lot by the women’s suffrage movement, which used the ballot initiative tactic to get the right to vote. And in Oregon, it took six election cycles before it finally passed.
If it makes it on the ballot and is approved by voters in November, the protections that currently apply to pets such as dogs and cats would extend to wild animals, livestock and animals used in research. Supporters call the proposal the PEACE Act, short for People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions. Supporters say the measure is intended to protect animals from abuse, neglect, and killing.
Jim Hamman, of Troutdale, Ore., casts out into the main current of the Columbia River at his favorite salmon fishing spot a few miles west of the Bonneville Dam near Cascade Locks, Ore.(GREG WAHL-STEPHENS | ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Opponents, including the Oregon Hunters Association, say it would force Oregonians onto a vegan diet or force people have their meat products shipped in from other states. They say it would destroy entire industries, including agriculture, fishing, hunting, scientific research, food production, pest control and restaurants.
Amy Patrick with the Oregon Hunters Association said a passage of this proposal would effect everyone in Oregon.
I’m hopeful that Oregonians, will not vote ‘yes’ on this. I’m hopeful that whether you’re in an urban region or a rural region, you understand what makes Oregon great. And part of that is our wildlife. And part of that is our economy that comes from our farming and ranching. And that folks will really, really delve into what this [proposal] does and how this is going to affect us not just in the abstract. So if you’re not a hunter or you’re not a rancher or a farmer, don’t think that this is not going to affect you in your day to day life.
The initiative has not yet qualified for the November ballot. Organizers must submit enough valid signatures by July 2.
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