Crazy, insane, outlandish, ridiculous, the worst idea ever. Those are just a few of the terms used to describe a potential ballot measure that would make it a crime in Oregon to hunt, fish, raise animals for food and ban a wide range of other activities.
Initiative Petition 28 (IP 28) seeks to remove animal cruelty exemptions from state statute. Itis the creation of animal rights and anti-hunting activists to place the measure on the November ballot. To do so, they need 117,173 verified signatures. Oregon’s secretary of state will announce whether it qualifies on or before August 2.
Below is a sampling of reactions from across Oregon:
Rep. Val Hoyle (OR-4) – May 28, 2026: “It’s ridiculous! It’s extreme. It would make it illegal to kill any animal except in self-defense. Any animal, which kills our commercial fishing industry. It, no lie, makes it a felony sex crime to artificially inseminate a cow. That’s insane! There’s no other word for it.”
Capital Press Editorial Board – June 19, 2026: “Passage would destroy animal agriculture in the state, and with it the livelihoods of farm and ranch families and the vendors and service providers who depend on their trade. The potential economic impact is staggering. The impacts are too sweeping and would reach into nearly every household in the state. Dare we say, it’s just too crazy.”
All 37 Democrats serving in the Oregon House – June 19: “Our caucus represents a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives, but we are united in opposing Initiative Petition 28. Criminalizing farming, ranching, hunting, and fishing is wrong. It threatens the livelihoods of families and communities across our state. It ignores the treaty rights of all nine federally recognized Tribes in Oregon. Oregon deserves solutions that reflect our values, respect our diverse communities, and bring people together rather than divide them. For these reasons, we oppose this measure.”
Baker City Herald editor – February 19, 2026: “Oregon’s Initiative Petition 28 is the worst idea in state history. The purpose of IP 28 is so outlandish, and its effects so catastrophic to the state’s economy and culture, that I’m inclined to believe it could never garner the support of a majority of voters. But the risk, however minuscule, is still too great to bear.”
Governor Tina Kotek – May 30, 2026: “I oppose it. Criminalizing activities like hunting and fishing would be wrong for Oregon. I know tribal leaders, farmers and ranchers and Oregonians across the state who care deeply about protecting our land. This petition does nothing to help them, and it risks criminalizing common agricultural practices that are critical to Oregon’s economy.”
Oregon Farm Bureau: “This is nothing more than an attack on those who adhere to strict animal care standards designed to keep animals healthy and safe.”
Christine Drazen (R-Canby), candidate for governor – May 22, 2026: “IP 28 is an all-out assault on Oregonians’ way of life. IP 29 would force rising food costs and job losses at a time when they can least afford more challenges. It’s time for Oregonians to come together to defeat the extremists who want to destroy our state.”
News-Register Editorial Board - June 12, 2026: Unbelievably radical in intent, this measure would also prove unbelievably damaging in practice. It would not only devastate treasured Oregon farming, ranching, hunting, fishing and tribal traditions, but also badly damage Oregon’s economy and severely disrupt its way of life. We urge Oregonians to deny it the encouragement it needs to fuel future re-runs — to not simply vote no, but to send an unmistakable message by voting resoundingly no.”
Oregon Cattlemen’s Association: “Oregon has been ranked the highest in consumption of hamburgers per person in the US. IP 28 removes an integral and affordable protein source, potentially driving specific fast-food chains out of the state.”
AGPROrofessionals Developers of Agriculture: “This initiative is not hypothetical. It is not fringe. It is real, organized, funded and dangerous. Perhaps most revealing is the rhetoric of IP28’s own advocates. Campaign leaders have openly stated that the goal is not to improve animal care but to eliminate animal use entirely, including food, research, hunting and breeding. This initiative is based on a radical ideological belief that humans have no legitimate right to use animals under any circumstances.”
Hunt 2 Conserve strongly opposes IP 28 and urges Oregonians to reject it.
About Hunt 2 Conserve
Hunt 2 Conserve is a 501(c)4 nonprofit organization affiliated with the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation. Its mission is to advance a legacy of hunting and conservation by educating, activating and developing stewards and defenders of these fundamentally American ideals. For more information, go to hunt2conserve.org.
