DISPATCHES FROM THE BLUE ZONES: Oregon Anti-Hunting Animal Rights Ballot Initiative Targets Hunting, Fishing, Ranching and More.
IP 28 amends Chapter 167 of the Oregon Revised Statutes by removing or narrowing exemptions that currently protect lawful hunting, fishing, trapping, livestock husbandry, commercial meat production, lawful research, wildlife management and other accepted practices. It reclassifies responsible and regulated activities as criminal animal abuse, neglect or assault.
Oregon’s current laws recognize the clear distinction between cruelty and regulated traditional activities such as hunting deer, catching salmon, raising livestock or conducting standard veterinary and animal husbandry practices. IP 28 blurs the distinctions and creates criminal liability where Oregon law now recognizes permitted conduct.
This is an anti-hunting measure. Sponsors argue wildlife should receive the same protections as companion animals, livestock and animals in research settings. But they are hiding the real meaning. It may sound reasonable, or even narrow to some voters, but the real effects are far broader. They are striking at the legal foundations permitting Oregonians to hunt, fish, manage wildlife, raise livestock and produce food.
Let’s see if Oregon voters are self-destructive enough to vote in favor.
