In what might be the most jaw-dropping policy push this side of mandating tofu at tailgates, Oregon “animal rights” activists are pushing the PEACE Act [1], short for “People for the Elimination of Animal Cruelty Exemptions.” They are working on a ballot measure that would criminalize just about everything that involves killing an animal – including hunting, fishing and pest control.
The sweeping petition would wipe out long-standing exemptions in Oregon’s animal cruelty laws so that intentionally injuring or killing animals becomes a crime – with only self-defense and a veterinarian’s work spared. Instead of just protecting pets such as cats and dogs, the coverage would expand to wild animals. Makes you wonder… if you hit a squirrel on the road, will you be charged for manslaughter if the psychos in Oregon can prove that you aimed for it?
Supporters insist this proposal is all about compassion and promise a job retraining fund for folks whose livelihoods depend on hunting, fishing, and ranching.
Opponents – including annoyed hunters, anglers and ranchers – are aghast that this would criminalize centuries-old outdoor traditions, gut wildlife funding (hello, no license revenue) and even take lethal pest control off the table.
The activists admit, though, that even if they get the issue on the ballot, it likely won’t pass. David Michelson, the PEACE Act’s chief petitioner said to KOIN 6 News [2], “We really want to make Oregon the first state to vote on something like this. We are aware that it’s unlikely 50% of Oregonians are ready right now to move away from killing animals. But we want to get that conversation out there. So that we can hopefully move in that direction.”
So, yes, this is a PR stunt as they work to gather enough signatures by their July deadline to put their proposal on the ballot.
Whether this radical proposal actually lands on the November ballot is still up in the air, but for now it’s a reminder that in Oregon, even long-settled traditions like hunting and fishing aren’t safe from becoming the next social experiment on the ballot coming from the crazy Left.