Exposing Animal Suffering on Factory Farms Made Illegal Under New Laws
Iowa passes a new bill to silence whistleblowers, after shocking undercover footage exposes the state’s largest pork producer.
Overcrowded pig farm owned by Iowa Sen. Ken Rozenboom. Credit: Direct Action Everywhere
A controversial new bill lobbied by the Iowa Pork Producers Association has been passed, which effectively silences whistleblowers and activists who expose animal suffering on factory farms.
Just last week, graphic undercover footage revealed the barbaric mass killing of pigs on farms owned by Iowa’s biggest pork producer, Iowa Select Farms. The footage was filmed by animal activist group, Direct Action Everywhere (DxE).
Now, under Iowa’s new ‘food operation trespass’ law, such an investigation would be a criminal offence, and be met with increased prison sentences or fines. Anyone entering a place without permission where a ‘food animal’ is kept, or where meat is sold or processed, is now punishable under the draconian new measures.
“The intent is to silence whistleblowers and those that would expose animal welfare abuses,” Adam Mason, state policy director for Iowa Citizens for Community Improvement, told The Intercept.
A first-time trespasser would now face up to two years in prison, and if they entered a second time, would face a felony carrying up to five years. Meanwhile, single fines can now reach up to $7,500.
According to The Intercept, the American Civil Liberties Union of Iowa, the Iowa Broadcasters Association, and the environmental organization Food and Water Watch all lobbied against the bill.
“This really does show the power that industrialized agriculture wields with Iowa legislators,” Mason added.
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