Protect Every Animal From Cruelty? Not in 2026, Oregon Democrats Say

[dalton99a]

Last edited Sun Jun 21, 2026, 12:09 PM - Edit history (1)

https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/21/us/politics/animal-rights-cruelty-oregon.html

Protect Every Animal From Cruelty? Not in 2026, Oregon Democrats Say
A possible referendum in Oregon on animal rights would end fishing, hunting, even pest control, just when Democrats are trying really hard not to be seen as “weirdos again.”
By Anna Griffin
June 21, 2026 Updated 7:10 a.m. ET

Since the 2024 elections, Democrats in or seeking office have tried hard to stick to the new playbook: Focus on pocketbook worries, criticize President Trump if you must, but for the love of all that is sacred, avoid the social issues that Republicans have used to paint the party as out of touch — and maybe even a little weird.

A new animal rights measure in Oregon has Democratic leaders like Gov. Tina Kotek going out on a limb. They want voters to know they’re just as committed to killing animals as Republicans.

The measure, known for now as Initiative Petition 28, is the stuff of political nightmares for Democratic leaders in Washington. It would give all animals the same protections from cruelty that Oregon grants dogs and cats, and in the process remake the state’s economy and dinner plates. Hunting, trapping and fishing would be outlawed, along with scientific research on animals, lethal pest control and conventional livestock production.

The goal, said David Michelson, a substitute teacher, vegan and the petition’s organizer, “is to have a system where we’re not killing or hurting animals anymore.”

Democrats in Oregon are fleeing Mr. Michelson faster than Bambi’s mother tried to escape the hunter, or perhaps faster than James Talarico, the Democratic nominee for Senate in Texas, reached for a barbecued hunk of meat to prove he’s not vegetarian.

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https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/06/01/oregon-petition-to-ban-hunting-and-fishing-moves-closer-to-november-ballot/

Oregon petition to ban hunting and fishing moves closer to November ballot
Initiative Petition 28 aims to expand animal cruelty to include livestock slaughtering, fishing, research
By: Mia Maldonado - June 1, 2026 2:43 pm

Last week, petitioners hoping to ban fishing and hunting in Oregon reached a milestone in their attempt to change state law.

Initiative Petition 28, led by Portland-based animal rights activists, aims to expand animal cruelty laws and criminalize injuring, breeding or killing animals except in cases of self-defense or for veterinary care, such as spaying, neutering or administering euthanasia.

On Friday, the group surpassed the required 117,000 signatures needed to qualify for the ballot — submitting more than 126,000 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s Office.

Activities such as lawful hunting, fishing, wildlife management, scientific or agricultural research, pest control and slaughtering livestock are exempt from animal cruelty laws.

Initiative Petition 28 aims to remove those exemptions.

The passage of IP 28 would effectively turn Oregon into a ‘no kill or harm’ sanctuary state, eliminating in-state meat, dairy, and animal protein production. Oregonians would be forced either into a vegan lifestyle or to rely on food shipped in from other states or countries. This would increase food costs for families, undermine local food security, and make Oregon dependent on the national and global food supply chain. – Oregon Farm Bureau

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Russian-financed weirdo is trying to sabotage Democrats

[harumph]

1. Yeah, that's a non-starter.

They could have just gone with something more modest - such as improving conditions for livestock and maybe got it through. This isn't one of those things where you ask for a mile and negotiate for a 1/4 mile. I sympathize with (some) of these goals, but damn, they'll get nothing now because it's preposterous in scope.

[stopdiggin]

5. right. this isn't 'strategic' - nor really even 'purposeful' (insofar as intent)

This is a mash-up of extremism, attention seeking - and gonzo guerilla politics.

And - unfortunately sometimes we get a little truculent and defensive and when people point to the 'squirrels'.
When we really ought to be saying (loudly), "Yeah .. and I won't have any damned part of that!"
Radical fringe is called the radical fringe because ....

[Ferryboat]

2. Great way to alienate voters

Ducks Unlimited does more to protect the environment than most groups. Yes they have an agenda, hunt more waterfowl.
But they also pony up the money to buy land to keep it suitable for wildlife.
The hook and bullet crowd are allies in the fight to preserve nature.
A fine example are the corner crossing court cases underway. Which are an attempt by wealthy landowners to restrict access to federal land that are surrounded by private land. Due to the goverment giving the railroads every other section, this checkerboard layout has created chokepoints at said corner.
Its groups like the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Backcountry Horseman that are fighting this in court. Trying to keep public access public.

This is what makes democrats look like idiots. Everyone I know on both sides of the aisle thinks this is beyond stupid.

[Manatee]

3. Monumentally

stupid idea.

[stopdiggin]

4. good catch! good article. and good synopsis (both by poster and article)

This IS the kind of weird assed (and extremist) sh*t ....
And it DOES 'sabotage' Democrats and the party (whether intentionally or not)

While Repubs are absolutely giddy with delight, and literally turning cartwheels in the street!

Way to go! You 'maroons'!

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[mwmisses4289]

6. Yup, both parties have their weirdo extremists.

Repukes have their evangelical hate everyone who isn't white, straight males extremists, and Dems have the vegan/environmental/save the planet no matter what extremists.

The sickest i have ever been was the year or so I was forced to be vegan because my body was objecting to anything it considered meat. I was eventually able to add poultry and seafood back into my diet, but I hope I don't have to go vegan again.

[RandomNumbers]

7. Excellent example of "radical" vs. "progressive" (well...

... what "progressive" should mean).

Many of the objectives of the bill might not be completely terrible ... in the very long run. (no I didn't read it so maybe it is all bonkers, but in that case pull back a little from the really bonkers stuff to the stuff that would be okay in a utopia once they figure out how to make it work for human society).

Thing is, most people don't have time or interest in completely rejiggering their lives. From the synopsis in the OP, sounds like I couldn't even set a mousetrap? Or (ugh) glue trap when I really, really have to? (certain bugs, not mice ... snap traps are considered the most humane for mice ... glue traps are awful but better than putting down poisons that get into the food chain and kill more than they were meant to).

So if I can't even set mouse traps, and can't afford / find someone I trust to patch up however they are getting in (which would be the ideal solution but never guaranteed until, well, it actually finally works) - what the fuck am I supposed to do? Live with the damage and the health risk?

And that is just ONE kind of pest control. And you can tell, hopefully, from this post, that I've thought about it and looked for best options. Most people really, truly can't be bothered and will do what they can afford that works.

We can't change that overnight.

And seriously, I have no idea about termites. What the hell would people do about that?

"Progressive" solutions are those that move to the ideal place, one or two steps at a time, in steps that average, typical voters can manage. Most of the time it is challenging to get elected even on progressive solutions. There are reasons for that.