The U.S. District Court of Idaho has ruled the state’s “ag gag law” is unconstitutional. The law criminalizes secret videotaping at agricultural operations. Animal Agriculture Alliance President and CEO, Kay Johnson Smith is disappointed by the decision and has concerns about those who should have the freedom to run their businesses.
Johnson Smith says many activists who are concerned about animal care pay more attention to shooting the video than in protecting the animals in question. She also says many of those videos are manufactured to show what activists want.
She says farms and ranches are just like any other private business that has their own protective rules and should be treated as such.
Johnson Smith advises producers to work with their local legislators in finding legal means to protect their operations. She also the Animal Ag Alliance can help them by providing tips on identifying red flags with their hiring practices.
