Confronted by dramatic exposes of unsafe food practices and inhumane treatment of animals, the agricultural industry has responded by sponsoring a number of “ag gag” bills across the country often making it a felony to report on abuses. (The Center for Media and Democracy, March 13, 2013, by Rebekah Wilce)
One of the most recent attempts to block reporting on abuses is progressing in California as the California Cattlemen’s Association is proposing a law to require anyone photographing farm animal cruelty to report it to law enforcement authorities within 48 hours, or else face fines of up to $500. A Sacramento Bee editorial contends that on the surface the bill seems to support quick end to animal abuse but could easily be put to sullied ends, thwarting whistleblowers and members of the media in exposing humane and unsafe practices. (Sacramento Bee, March 24, 2013, by the Editorial Board) -db