Utah Considering Ag Gag Legislation

Utah is the latest state considering Ag Gag legislation that would make it illegal to take photos or videos on farms without the owners’ prior consent.

The bill, HB 187, would make “agricultural operation interference” a class A misdemeanor on the first offense and a third-degree felony on the second offense. The bill was introduced by Rep. John Mathis, who wants to do away with what he called “animal rights terrorists.”

“There are groups with the stated purpose to do away with animal agriculture, and that’s egregious ― that’s egregious to me,” Mathis told legislators this week. “The animal welfare movement has become an animal rights movement, and that’s wrong.

The bill was passed favorably out of the House Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice Committee last week, but is still receiving opposition. Some are worried that the bill isn’t specific enough, while Rep. Craig Frank pointed out the disparity between offenses and their punishments. The third-degree felony charge would be the equivalent of assaulting a police officer with substantial bodily harm.

Similar legislation has already failed in New York, Florida and Minnesota, but is now also back on the table in Iowa.

Take Action!

Please sign the petition asking Utah legislators to support transparency in agriculture by not passing this bill in any form.

Florida’s Ag Gag Bill Reintroduced

Victory! New York and Iowa Ag Gag Bills Fail

Photo credit: The BUAV

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Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

federico b.

3:50AM PDT on Apr 27, 2012

Che emerita cagata.

send a green star

mark g.

4:38PM PDT on Mar 21, 2012

this is an example of what the meat and dairy industry is trying to hide:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UAjolbvznnE

Sheri K.

1:02PM PDT on Mar 21, 2012

They want the right to kill off all the coyotes because they hurt their stock. Then they want the right to abuse their stock beyond camera range. Makes Utah look like a pretty sick place.

Kathy P.

3:30AM PDT on Mar 21, 2012

Why is it protect the wrong and punish the innocent. This world has it all wrong!! Factory Farms should be held accountable. So much wrong about factory farming! This is wrong and owners should be watching their backs if they mistreat their animals. Please fight to stop Bill HB 187 for the sake of our animals.

Jay D.

4:50AM PST on Mar 5, 2012

I THINK THAT THEY HAVE IT WRONG,THE BIG FACTORY FARMS ARE THE AG TERRORISTS. IF THESE ANIMALS COULD TALK I AM SURE THAT THEY WOULD AGREE

9:20AM PST on Mar 4, 2012

nancy b:

this-www.meatvideo.com

nancy b.

3:57AM PST on Mar 4, 2012

what are you trying to hide?

Sarah M.

3:50PM PST on Feb 27, 2012

Hell no!

Suzanna v.

6:45AM PST on Feb 26, 2012

Petition on change.org:
http://www.change.org/petitions/president-national-pork-board-stop-painful-piglet-castration
National Pork Board: Stop Painful Piglet Castration

Read more: http://www.care2.com/causes/cruelty-exposed-at-iowa-factory-farm.html#ixzz1nV1DvlWh

6:30AM PST on Feb 26, 2012

Read this too: http://www.care2.com/causes/cruelty-exposed-at-iowa-factory-farm.html
Cruelty Exposed at Iowa Factory Farm
Please sign this petition too:
http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/stop-the-ag-gag-bill-in-iowa/
Iowa, Don't Let Animal Abuse Go Unpunished!