Oregonians Must Take IP28 Seriously, Farm Bureau Stresses

This fall, Oregon voters may be asked if they would like to drastically change and expand legal protections for animals. Supporters of IP28 say it would extend the legal protections in place for companion animals to animals on farms, in research labs, and in the wild, protecting those animals from slaughter, hunting, fishing, and experimentation.

The Oregon Farm Bureau warns if approved this proposal would have a drastic and negative impact on livestock of all kinds. The OFB’s Lauren Kunzi said this wouldn't just impact slaughter and “end of life” issues, but things as simple as routine veterinary care and breeding practices.

“So many of these reasonable, longstanding, legally protected practices of caring for your herd, like you mentioned, artificial insemination, so many of those things, and we're talking about classifying those as sexual assault," Kunzi said. "It really is as wild as it sounds. And I know their reaction from people is usually, immediately they're hesitant to believe what I'm saying, but it really is, it really is true.”

The Economic Impact Of IP28 Would Be Huge

Cattle and calves is the #2 commodity in Oregon, accounting for nearly $792 million in production in 2022. Meaning the state’s economy would take a big hit if IP28 is approved.

“Will you still be able to have steak at a restaurant? Yes, but that steak is not coming from the rancher across town," Kunzi said. "That steak is coming from out of state. We're talking food coming in from other countries. Food safety standards are different in other countries. Oregon agriculture is an incredibly strong economic driver in this state. You know, 96% of our farms and ranches are owned by families. These are small operations. And again, you asked about the economic impact, it's huge.”

It's Not Just About Animal Agriculture

It still remains to be seen if IP28, or the PEACE Act as supporters call it, will be on the fall ballot. The Secretary of State’s office is working to verify the over 140,000 signatures that were submitted by volunteers earlier this month. But, if it does make the ballot, Kunzi said the Oregon Farm Bureau and others will work to educate voters on the widespread impact this proposal will have.

“It's not just animal agriculture," Kunzi stressed. "That's our focus here at Farm Bureau, but we're also working with our friends in the hunting community and so many of the other communities that will be impacted. I mean, we have a national coalition and whether it's, the fur commission or a large meat producer, there are so many different sectors impacted by this and they want to be part of the campaign and they want to be part of standing up for Oregon.”

Click Here to learn more about IP28.

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