Ag-Gag Laws: Targeting Investigators, Whistleblowers, and Journalists

Pig factory farm, gestation crates“Ag-gag” bills are being introduced around the country in an attempt to censor whistleblowers, investigators, and journalists who expose animal welfare abuses on factory farms and slaughterhouses.

Investigations by groups like the Humane Society, Mercy for Animals, and Compassion Over Killing have exposed shocking animal cruelty and consumer health dangers in the food industry. They have led to the largest meat recall in US history, criminal charges, and international media exposure.

Rather than put a stop to these abuses, corporations are trying to criminalize the whistleblowers who expose them.

Must-read articles about how ag-gag laws affect workers, activists, and journalists:

Television and Radio Interviews

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and ag-gag:

Examples of ag-gag legislation:

Undercover Investigators Speak Out:

–> Sign the petition at Change.org/AgGag!

Here is a full list of recent articles about ag-gag bills:

SOLE Interviews Will Potter About DIY Ethics, Art in a Digital Age, and Civil Unrest

Sole interviews Will about government repression, the precarious nature of being a writer/artist in the digital age, and much more.

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New York State Bar Association #AgGag Lecture Coming Up

Will Potter to address the New York Bar Association on ag-gag laws.

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The Role of Journalists in Protecting Animals: Interview with Will Potter

The Animal Legal Defense Fund interviews Will Potter about the importance of journalists and whistleblowers exposing animal abuse.

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Hold factory farms to account, with drones

How should journalists respond to investigative methods and sources being criminalized? Send in the drones.

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BREAKING: 4 People Prosecuted Under #AgGag Law for Photographing Factory Farm From the Road

After photographing Circle Four Farms in Utah from the public street, four people are being prosecuted under the state’s ag-gag law.

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#AgGag Victory in Australia!

Ag-gag legislation against photographing animal abuse has been defeated in South Australia, but more bills may be on the way.

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Beef Industry Compares the Humane Society to ISIS

Beef Magazine says the group responsible for beheadings is “similar” to the Humane Society.

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Great News in the Lawsuit Against Idaho’s #AgGag Law

A lawsuit challenging Idaho’s ag-gag law as unconstitutional is moving forward, with a supportive ruling by a U.S. federal judge.

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National Geographic: Drones Will Change the Way You Eat

“One journalist is using drone photography to expose conditions at factory farms in hopes of changing the way we think about food,” says National Geographic.

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Democracy Now: How did freeing animals from cages become an act of terrorism?

Democracy Now interviews Will Potter about the terrorism prosecution of two activists who allegedly releasing mink from fur farms.

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