Initiative 28, which proposes expanding the state’s animal cruelty ban to cover a wide range of pursuits, is one step closer to being part of the midterm elections after leaders submitted 120,000 signatures in favor of the move.
People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions Act (PEACE) group are leading the campaign for the measure, which would effectively ban hunting, fishing, and slaughtering livestock.
The initiative would also ban conducting scientific research on animals, using animals in rodeos, operating a commercial poultry business and castrating or neutering livestock in the Pacific Northwest state.
These activities are currently exempt from Oregon’s animal cruelty laws, but under the proposal, they would be treated as a criminal offense ranging from misdemeanor abuse to assault.
A petition supporting the animal rights move has now submitted more than 120,000 signatures – above the 117,000 needed by July 2 to get the measure on the ballot.
However, a portion of these signatures are likely to be ruled as ineligible, such as those of people who are not registered voters in Oregon.
— Laura Parnaby in Oregon moves a step closer to banning hunting and fishing as part of proposed new animal cruelty law