Resolution opposing IP28, a ban on hunting, fishing, and animal agriculture

A RESOLUTION OF THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY 

Opposing Initiative Petition 28, Which Would Ban Hunting, Fishing, and Animal Agriculture

WHEREAS,  Initiative Petition 28 (IP 28), also known as the “PEACE Act,” will ban hunting, fishing, animal breeding, animal farming, ranching, and research if it is approved for the ballot and passes as a ballot measure in the November 3, 2026 election; and

WHEREAS, the IP 28 campaign claims to have over 100,000 of the 117,173 required signatures for approval to appear on the November 2026 election ballot as of February 2026; and

WHEREAS, the IP28 campaign relies on paid signature gatherers to qualify for the ballot and has significant funding, including $108,218 in individual contributions, a majority from out of state, and $140,821 in dark money contributions, and has spent $236,125 on petition circulation as of February 2026; and

WHEREAS, 22,538 animal farms and ranches would be shut down if IP28 passes, affecting 72,040 farm labor workers and 1,580 slaughter and meat-packing workers; and

WHEREAS, IP 28 contains no explicit exemption or recognition of the treaty-reserved hunting, fishing, and animal stewardship rights of Oregon’s nine federally recognized Tribal Nations, raising serious constitutional concerns and ignoring longstanding federal Indian law, and potentially undermining government-to-government relationships and Tribal sovereignty; and

WHEREAS, over 1 million Oregonians hunt or fish annually and would be unable to do so if IP28 passes; and

WHEREAS, hunting, fishing, and animal agriculture play a significant role in sustaining local economies, particularly in rural Oregon communities where small businesses and seasonal tourism depend on these activities; and

WHEREAS, IP28 could be interpreted to criminalize standard animal breeding practices including veterinary reproductive exams, artificial insemination, and assisted breeding; and

WHEREAS, IP28 creates legal ambiguity and fails to exempt pest control and wildlife management; and

WHEREAS, IP28 is getting media coverage, especially in rural areas, and Republicans are using it to create fear on social media

NOW, THEREFORE, THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY OF JEFFERSON COUNTY RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

Section 1. The Democratic Party of Jefferson County strongly opposes Initiative Petition 28.

Section 2. The Democratic Party of Jefferson County affirms its commitment to evidence-based policymaking, environmental stewardship, rural economic stability, tribal sovereignty, labor protections, and humane treatment of animals.

Section 3. The Democratic Party of Jefferson County recognizes the vital role of hunting, fishing, farming, ranching, and food production in Oregon’s economy, culture, and food security, and opposes policies that would abruptly eliminate these lawful livelihoods or create broad legal uncertainty.

Resolution submitted by Eric Timmerman, Vice Chair

Seconded by Theresa Fuentes, PCP

ADOPTED Unanimously by the Democratic Party of Jefferson County on  the 16th day of March, 2026.