Second Ag-Gag Law in Iowa Struck Down by U.S. Court

​worldanimalnews.com/breaking-u-s-court-strikes-down-second-ag-gag-law-in-iowa-deeming-it-unconstitutional-and-a-violation-of-the-first-amendment/

Iowa's second ag-gag law has been ruled as unconstitutional, claiming it violates the First Amendment. This is the second time that Iowa has tried to introduce an Ag-Gag law aimed at protecting the factory farming industry at the expense of whistleblowers who expose blatant cruelty. Both times however, the courts ruled against the law and they were overturned. 

Ag-gag laws were designed to protect the factory farming industry from unwanted exposure. They were created as a way of deterring potential undercover investigations from exposing the wrong-doings happening behind closed doors. They criminalized every aspect of investigating these facilities in order to prevent the public from learning the horrors outside of the standard operations. Animals being kicked, dragged, beaten, thrown, etc., the ag-gag laws are designed to prevent us from finding out about these atrocities. 

What I find especially frustrating about these laws is that they really couldn't be a bigger admission of guilt in terms of poor animal welfare standards. Instead of looking at ways to address the lackluster industry standards and extra-curricular abuse occurring, they'd rather make it a criminal offence to expose the abuse. Can you smell the guilt here?

The factory farming industry is heavily protected by the government as it's a multi-billion dollar producer. It is so heavily protected, that common-sense seems to slip away when it comes to protecting this industry. For example, livestock conflicts can result in the slaughter of wild, predatory animals, some of which are even considered endangered. Instead of looking at ways to better enclose farm animals, they'd sooner trap and kill wild animals for acting on instinct. Much the same as they would rather make it a criminal offence to expose blatant animal abuse as opposed to actively working towards increasing welfare standards within the industry. It's honestly disgusting and shameful.

Will Iowa move full steam ahead on ag-gag3? Will they waste more tax dollars on a bill that will once again be shut down for being unconstitutional? Only time will tell, but they surely won't be addressing their welfare standards any time soon if this is any indication where their priorities are. Shame on you Iowa.

HAPPY VEG