Animal Rights activists are again circulating petitions in Oregon to put an extreme measure on the November 2026 ballot that would criminalize the killing and breeding of animals. This initiative has been attempted in previous election cycles even though it has never qualified for the ballot.
The campaign in favor the initiative has been raising money and using these funds for signature gathering across the state.
Oregonians are urged to not sign this petition for Initiative Petition 28 (IP28), even though it is being advertised as an “end to animal cruelty” and an effort to ensure “all animals have equal protection under the law.” In fact, this animal rights measure will criminalize all hunting, many breeding practices – and even many humane forms of dog training.
Scroll down for more information on actions you can take today to fight this dangerous measure that will punish animals and responsible owners.
Summary
In the words of supporters, IP28, known as the “People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions (PEACE) Act, “prohibits any activity—other than self-defense and veterinary practices—that intentionally injures, kills, or sexually violates an animal, many of which are currently legal because they are exempt from our animal cruelty laws.”
Among many provisions, IP 28 does the following:
- Criminalizes standard husbandry practices and numerous agriculture and other humane animal activities and practices (including hunting), as well as “reasonable handling and training techniques”, all of which are protected under current law
- Criminalizes artificial insemination and equates it to sexual assault of an animal.
- Provides a vague exemption for veterinary practices, but it is unclear how this would impact ear cropping and tail docking.
- Removes the word “intentional”, thereby criminalizing even unintentional harm or neglect of any animal including wildlife. While responsible animal ownership and care is always the goal, unfortunate accidents can happen. No one wants to see an animal come to harm or injury, but it is an unfortunate reality that, just as with people, accidents can occur in everyday activities despite taking appropriate precautions.
For example, there are incidents where an animal may be harmed in a vehicle or other accident: a service or working dog; a dog participating in a safe, humane event; or even a dog with an exuberant spirit and high energy could, during an activity, receive an injury through no fault of the owner.
This initiative will also have dire consequences on ranchers, farmers, fishermen, 4-H and similar groups, and even pest control.
What You Can Do Today
Supporters of this problematic measure must collect 117,173 signatures from registered Oregon voters to place this initiative on the 2026 ballot. You can help fight this by taking the following actions:
1) If you are approached, do not sign the petition.
2) Ask your friends and colleagues not to sign the petition. Also remind exhibitors at Oregon dog shows and events, students in training and CGC classes, owners who have purchased a dog from you, etc. to not sign the petition.
3) If you notice a business distributing petitions and collecting signatures, respectfully express your concerns and ask them not to collect signatures for this ballot measure.
4) Discuss IP 28 with your fellow club members to raise awareness in case IP 28 qualifies for the November 2026 ballot.
AKC will continue to provide updates as new details become available.
If you have questions on IP 28, please contact AKC Government Relations at doglaw@akc.org.