The Utah legislature is considering a bill which would make documenting cruelty to animals illegal.
Introduced by Rep. John Mathis, HB 187 will make it a crime to take photos or videos on a farm' without prior permission. First offense violations would result in a class A misdemeanor, while a second offense would result in a third-degree felony.
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 Utah 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 Utah's representatives not to allow this bill to pass in any form.
As someone who is concerned with animal welfare, consumer safety and constitutional rights, I am writing to urge you not to pass HB 187, or any law that would hinder exposing abuse and illegal activity on farms.
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. Similar legislation has already failed in other states and is considered unconstitutional by many.
The state of Utah 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 support transparency in agriculture and do not pass this bill in any form.
