Controversial Oregon animal rights petition might not have enough valid signatures to make ballot

A controversial initiative petition to ban killing or harming animals in Oregon with almost no exceptions may not qualify for the November ballot.

The petition failed the first round of the signature verification process, a spokesperson for the secretary of state’s office told the Capital Chronicle. However, it could still reach the ballot if it passes a second, larger review.

Framed as an anti-animal cruelty petition, Initiative Petition 28 is an effort led by Portland-based vegan advocates to expand the state’s animal cruelty laws to include hunting, fishing, breeding, farming and research. Essentially, it would ban killing or injuring animals in all cases except for self-defense or veterinary care.

It’s highly unpopular among Oregonians across the political spectrum, but petitioners submitted 142,784 signatures to the Oregon Secretary of State’s office earlier this month — more than the 117,173 required to qualify for the ballot.





https://oregoncapitalchronicle.com/2026/07/17/controversial-oregon-animal-rights-petition-might-not-have-enough-valid-signatures-to-make-ballot/