Ag-Gag Laws: Targeting Investigators, Whistleblowers, and Journalists

Pig factory farm, gestation crates“Ag-gag” bills are being introduced around the country in an attempt to censor whistleblowers, investigators, and journalists who expose animal welfare abuses on factory farms and slaughterhouses.

Investigations by groups like the Humane Society, Mercy for Animals, and Compassion Over Killing have exposed shocking animal cruelty and consumer health dangers in the food industry. They have led to the largest meat recall in US history, criminal charges, and international media exposure.

Rather than put a stop to these abuses, corporations are trying to criminalize the whistleblowers who expose them.

Must-read articles about how ag-gag laws affect workers, activists, and journalists:

Television and Radio Interviews

The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) and ag-gag:

Examples of ag-gag legislation:

Undercover Investigators Speak Out:

–> Sign the petition at Change.org/AgGag!

Here is a full list of recent articles about ag-gag bills:

“It changes who you are—forever. What you do with that change is what defines who you are.”

An interview with undercover investigator Mike Wolf, who shares his inspiring story of exposing animal cruelty on factory farms.

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Exclusive: New Virtual Reality Investigation Goes Inside Factory Farms

“What I am about to show you is very difficult to experience, once you have been inside, there’s no turning back, ” Jose Valle says, in this bold new 360 documentary.

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“Truth and Power” TV series features Will Potter on “eco-terrorism,” ag-gag laws, and investigative journalism

A new television series, “Truth and Power,” is narrated by Maggie Gyllenhaal and executive produced by award-winning filmmaker Brian Knappenberger.

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BREAKING: Idaho #AgGag Law Struck Down as Unconstitutional

Idaho’s “ag-gag” law has been struck down as an unconstitutional attempt by corporations to silence their critics who expose animal cruelty.

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Investigator Speaks As She Heads to Jail for Exposing Factory Farm Cruelty

Interview with Amber Canavan days before she began her jail sentence for investigating a foie gras factory farm.

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Here’s How #AgGag Made it Illegal to Expose Abuse at Daycares

VICE News interviews Will Potter about the evolution of ag-gag laws, and how they put vulnerable populations at risk.

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In Wyoming it’s now illegal to collect data about pollution

A new Wyoming law expands on the “ag-gag” trend of criminalizing whistleblowers in a new way: making it illegal for citizens to gather data about environmental pollution. Wyoming’s Senate Bill 12, or the “Data Trespassing Bill” as it’s being called, criminalizes the collection of “resource data.” It defines collection as “to take a sample of […]

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Exposing Cruelty in Nursing Homes, Factory Farms, Daycares Now a Crime in North Carolina

Despite opposition from a wide range of groups, including AARP, veterans, journalists, and animal welfare advocates, North Carolina lawmakers have overriden the governor’s veto of their ag-gag bill.

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Interview with Will Potter on Rising Against the International Criminalisation of Activism

Australian animal rights campaigner Patty Mark is arrested for an open rescue of abused hens. Will Potter speaks with Progressive Podcast Australia about the international criminalization of dissent.

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#AgGag Victory! North Carolina Governor Vetoes Bill

North Carolina’s governor has vetoed the latest attempt to criminalize anyone who exposes animal cruelty on factory farms.

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