Stop the Ag Gag Bill

The Iowa Legislature is once again considering a bill to criminalize videotaping or photographing the animal cruelty and/or abuse taking place in animal facilities. The Iowa Senate Agriculture Committee is looking at SF431, which would not only create penalties for these activities, but also for "misrepresenting" oneself to gain access to these facilities, for example, on a job application. A related bill has already passed the Iowa House. Since we know that the large facilities that are the most likely to be involved in these heinous practices are NOT going to let anybody in to see what's going on, this would tie the hands of those who seek to expose these practices. It would send a message that not only are these acts tolerated, but the abusers are protected by law. There are several other states that are considering similar legislation. Contrary to the spin that is being put on these, this is NOT designed to protect your average family farmer, who is probably not engaging in these activities, but the huge agriculural concerns who have been lobbying hard for this legislation. Not only are these practices inhumane, but this environment also leads to concerns in the food supply, as evidenced by the recent salmonella outbreaks from huge poultry operations, or the concern about "downer" cows entering the food stream. Please voice your opinion that it is NOT OK to criminalize whistleblowing against abusive practices in animal facilities.