Image: oregon_hunting_ban

Oregon animal rights activists are pushing a ballot measure that would ban hunting. (Photo by Tom Reichner)

In a move that almost seems too shocking to believe, Oregon animal rights activists have nearly collected enough signatures to qualify a state ballot measure that would ban most hunting, fishing, livestock farming, and animal research.

According to kptv.com, under Initiative Petition 28, most activities that hurt or kill animals would become criminal offenses with exemptions for self-defense and veterinary care.

The petition currently has 105,000 signatures. It needs 117,173 verified signatures to qualify for the ballot in November. It’s unknown how many of the signatures gathered so far will be verified.

If the measure makes it to the ballot and voters approve of it in November, wild animals, livestock, and animals used in research would also get the same protection that currently applies to pets. Supporters say the proposal, which they call the PEACE Act, short for People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions, is intended to protect animals from abuse, neglect, and killing.

It’s widely acknowledged that the measure is unlikely to pass as Oregon has a strong hunting heritage and boasts more than 300,000 licensed hunters. <span>Most of the petition’s signatures were gathered in urban areas, such as Portland, Salem and Eugene metropolitan areas, according to </span><span>centraloregondaily.com</span><span>. </span>

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The Oregon Hunters Association opposes the measure saying 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, “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.”