This year, the Iowa legislature is considering a bill which would make documenting cruelty to animals illegal.
Also known as the whistle blower's bill, SF 431 has passed in the House and is now being considered in the Senate. This piece of legislation would make it a criminal act to create, possess or distribute photographs, video or audio recordings obtained on farms, slaughterhouses or puppy mills without previous consent from the owner and would result in misdemeanor or felony charges, fines and jail time.
This is a shameful example of prior restraint that will do nothing but allow facilities to operate in secrecy and shield agribusiness from any accountability, while punishing those who are bringing cruelty and inhumane treatment of animals to light and allowing consumers to make informed choices.
The state of Iowa should not consider protecting an industry that has something to hide at the expense of animal welfare, its residents, consumer safety and the First Amendment.
Please sign this petition asking Iowa's senators not to allow this bill to pass in any form.
