A lawsuit filed by animal activist groups in Kansas could have a dangerous precedent for livestock producers across the country if they’re successful. The groups are challenging a state law enacted in 1990 that protects the property rights of livestock owners. Nebraska Farm Bureau’s Director of National Affairs Jordan Dux says the activist groups have increased their attacks against animal agriculture producers.

In the Kansas case, the activist groups are arguing the law violates the first amendment by deterring activists from undercover investigations at animal facilities. They claim the law exists only to protect the financial interests of industries that abuse animals. Dux says their argument is very far-fetched and not true.

Dux says Nebraska’s producers have done a good job of getting their message to lawmakers and regulators that they do a great job of protecting the health of their animals, don’t abuse them and are acting properly.

Animal activist groups have bee successful in pushing back against similar laws to that in Kansas in Utah and Idaho in getting those thrown out. They also have cases pending in Iowa and North Carolina.