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:

“These activists make Upton Sinclair’s ‘The Jungle’ look tame by comparison”

The Animal Legal Defense Fund interviews Will Potter about Ag Gag legislation targeting undercover investigators.

Read the full article →

U.S. Congressmen Compare Undercover Investigators to Arsonists and Terrorists

Members of Congress compare the undercover investigation of Central Valley Meat Co. slaughterhouse to arson and terrorism.

Read the full article →

“Ag Gag” Bills and Supporters Have Close Ties to ALEC

“Ag Gag” bills, and their supporters, have ties to the American Legislative Exchange Council, and they parallel other national efforts by ALEC.

Read the full article →

Interview with an Undercover Investigator Who Risks Arrest Under New “Ag Gag” Laws

I talked with an undercover investigator about “Ag Gag” bills, being labeled a “terrorist,” and factory farms don’t want you to see.

Read the full article →

Washington Post Front Page Story Features “Green Is The New Red”

The Washington Post talks with Will Potter about “Ag Gag” bills, FBI surveillance of environmental protesters, and the Animal Enterprise Terrorism Act.

Read the full article →

URGENT: What Are Iowa’s Factory Farms Trying to Hide?

Iowa is set to become the first state to pass one of the recent “Ag Gag” laws introduced across the country to target undercover investigators who expose animal welfare violations on factory farms.

Read the full article →

Utah “Ag Gag” Bill Passes House — Urgent Action Needed

Utah bill HB187, which targets anyone who photographs or videotapes factory farm abuses, has overwhelmingly passed the House.

Read the full article →