The IP 28 initiative is widely criticized for effectively outlawing, criminalizing core outdoor traditions and disrupting Oregon’s entire wildlife‑management system. Please do not sign this initiative.
Major Concerns:
- Criminalizes all hunting and fishing, because the measure bans intentional injury or killing of animals — which directly includes lawful harvest of fish and game.
- Eliminates wildlife management tools, preventing ODFW from controlling deer, elk, predators, invasive species, or diseased wildlife.
- Bans raising livestock and animal agriculture, since breeding, raising, and slaughtering animals would be reclassified as criminal acts.
- Outlaws trapping and pest control, including predator control, rodent control, and other essential land‑management practices.
- Grants animals legal rights comparable to humans, creating sweeping legal uncertainty for ranchers, anglers, hunters, veterinarians, and wildlife agencies.
- Destroys rural economies, especially in counties like Josephine where hunting, fishing, ranching, and outdoor recreation support jobs and local businesses.
- Marketed as “anti‑cruelty,” but functionally bans nearly all human use of animals, relying on emotional messaging rather than transparent policy.
- Part of a long‑term animal‑liberation agenda, not a targeted reform — proponents openly acknowledge it is meant to shift society away from using animals at all.
Where it stands now:
They need about 117,173 signatures by July 2 to make the November ballot. They have collected about 92,000 signatures. The reason for the high collection rate is they have brought in lot of outside groups to collect signatures.
Why It Matters to Oregon
Economic Damage
- Hunting, fishing, ranching, and outdoor recreation support thousands of jobs — especially in rural counties like Josephine.
- Local businesses, guides, outfitters, feed stores, and sporting goods shops would be devastated.
Cultural & Community Impact
- Generations of outdoor traditions would be erased.
- Youth programs, conservation groups, and community events tied to hunting and fishing would disappear.
Environmental Harm
- Without wildlife management, Oregon would face overpopulation, habitat destruction, increased disease spread, and more dangerous human‑wildlife conflicts.
The Who and What is behind IP 28:
The Chief Petitioners:
David Michelson: A Portland-area activist. Isaac Farias and Sean Rice:
Sponsoring Organizations:
PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), Craig’s List Charitable Fund, Pro-Animal Future.
Funding & Signature Tactics:
The War Chest: As of January 2026, the campaign has reported spending over $244,000.
Paid Signature Gatherers:
The influx of national cash (specifically the $10,000 from PETA and $30,000 from the Craigslist fund) has allowed them to hire professional signature gatherers. This is why the signature count has skyrocketed to over 92,000, a pace they never achieved when relying on local volunteers alone.
