"Gagging" Farm Animal Welfare across the U.S.

Mar 16, 2012

Over the past several years, undercover investigators at factory farms across the U.S. have helped uncover animal cruelty, unsafe working conditions, food safety violations and environmental problems. This has led to meat recalls – which prevented potentially tainted meat from being distributed to the public – and improved animal welfare laws.

Unfortunately, several state legislatures are now trying to prevent such violations from ever being exposed to the public by proposing so-called “ag-gag” bills. If passed, these bills would make the photography or videotaping of abuse, unsanitary or unethical activities on farms a crime.

Current U.S. Legislation

Thanks in part to WSPA supporters who signed our petitions in various U.S. states since the beginning of 2012, "ag-gag" bills in Florida, Illinois, and Indiana have been tabled or defeated.

However, similar bills are currently pending in Minnesota, Missouri and Nebraska, and – despite strong public opposition – an "ag-gag" bill was signed into law in Iowa a few days ago.

Take Action!

If you live in one of the following states, please contact your state legislators today and ask them to oppose these “ag-gag” bills because of the serious threat they pose to animal welfare, food safety and worker rights.