Ag-Gag laws

The negative consequences of large-scale factory farming throughout the United States have increased the effects of climate change, reduced access to clean water due to the copious amounts required for production, and created an everlasting cycle of animal torture and pain. Covid-19 has helped to further reveal the problematic nature of these large-scale industrial plants as multiple outbreaks occurred and could be traced back to large suppliers like Tyson Chicken. Knowing these facts is important for consumers, the welfare of animals, and our planet. That is why we must take active steps to repeal ag-gag laws at all levels.

An ag-gag law is designed to protect the interests of large factory farms from independent investigations or workers seeking to expose heinous violations. Designed to protect the industry and consumption rates these laws have come in direct violation of the First Amendment right to free speech. This is why these laws continue to fail when brought against federal oversight. It can continue to fail when pressure is brought to the representatives of these states at the federal level.

A request for congressional and federal intervention in these laws would not be an ask of big government oversight, but rather a reduction of states giving an edge to their biggest industries. People are the ones who can and must investigate the cruelty against animals and workers in these factory farms. The true request is that the government does not allow for an unequal and unjust system to remain in place. Farms that are more visible to the public and more humane to their livestock will get the support of consumers and activists alike. Poor business practices should not be protected because it is too hard to replace.

Petition:

Dear federal lawmakers representing the great states of Montana, North Dakota, Missouri, Arkansas, Alabama, and Iowa,

Factory farms in your states are given significant opportunities to act brazenly and cruelly with the livestock and workers present. Those acts are considered viable because there is no means of protecting animal rights and the lives of workers without directly violating state ag-gag laws. These laws are by no means constitutional and work in direct contrast to the ideals set for freedom of speech and press. We can not allow for government protection of these industries when the harm befalling animals and consumers alike is not truly necessary.

Arm the people with knowledge. We are not asking for federal investigation or intervention, we are asking that people be given the chance to know what they are buying and the kind of industries they purchase from. Amazon warehouse practices have not caused the industry to fold despite public acknowledgment. Do not give in to the fearmongering of abusers, give the people the chance to judge what is just for themselves.

Help reverse these ag-gag laws and protect the welfare of animals, workers, and this planet by letting consumers decide what is admissible, not the people funding the torture.

Sources:

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/05/10/business/economy/coronavirus-tyson-plant-iowa.html

https://www.aspca.org/improving-laws-animals/public-policy/what-ag-gag-legislation

https://aldf.org/issue/ag-gag/