Target: Stephen Wells, Executive Director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund
Goal: Support the efforts of advocates to expose agricultural animal cruelty.
The legal system of one state just gave a significant win to endangered animals while dealing a blow to potential animal abusers. This ForceChange petition urged the end of an Iowa law that forbid undercover animal welfare advocates from securing evidence of animal cruelty at agricultural centers. A federal judge sided with those lobbying for justice by striking down the controversial, anti-animal rights law.
This piece of legislation came about seven years ago after multiple cases of horrific alleged abuse at farms and slaughterhouses were filmed and otherwise documented by undercover journalists or employees. Rather than focus on the atrocious crimes allegedly being committed at these ‘businesses,’ Iowa legislators instead targeted the messengers. The resulting ‘Ag-Gag’ law criminalized efforts to infiltrate suspect agricultural facilities, labeling the false statements and information provided to employers as ‘fraud.’
Now, Judge James Gritzner has put the focus back where it belongs—on the alleged perpetrators of animal cruelty. In a January ruling, the judge stated in no uncertain terms that this law violated the free speech of individuals who wanted to expose serious crimes. As a result, those who would exploit and hurt innocent animals no longer have a shield of protection from their state government.
Sign this petition to thank a key opponent of ‘Ag-Gag,’ the Animal Legal Defense Fund, for their dedicated efforts in helping secure this important victory.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Mr. Wells,
“A win for free speech and animal protection”: your proclamation about the recent reversal of Iowa’s ‘Ag-Gag’ law could not be more fitting. This legislation was an affront to animal welfare causes and a legal assist for those individuals who harm the animals entrusted to their care. The rejection of this archaic law by a federal judge sends a strong, decisive message.
Thank you for helping lead the fight against such an ill-advised and ill-informed effort. An end to ‘ag-gag’ will mean that countless vulnerable farm animals are spared deplorable treatment. More crucially, these animals will now have more impassioned advocates on their side and working for their well-being.
Please use this win as inspiration to continue the fight to ensure that free speech and animal rights emerge victorious in every state.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: MercyForAnimalsMFA
Good. I don’t know how it got passed to begin with. The animal rights defenders are just bringing the cold hard truth to light. It’s big agriculture and their climates of cruelty that is the problem. If they’re not doing anything wrong then they have nothing to hide or be upset about.
This is fantastic! All other states need to follow suit. Anyone trying to make sure animals are treated with compassion should be applauded, not made out to be criminals. Thank goodness for this good judge, he has a heart.
AWESOME!!!!
Thank you Judge James Gritzner for supporting free speech, especially when it is voiced with the purpose of exposing the truth and horrible cruelties perpetrated upon animals by cruel and greedy people. Thank you to all the animal welfare activists who put themselves on the line to expose those cruelties, as well.
Awesome, that’s all I can say. Thank you Judge.
EXCELLENT — Great Decision by wise Judge — WHO do these employers think THEY ARE! — You see, these unconscionably cruel employers KNOW they have the meat-eating market by their short hairs and KNOW this market will need its “fix” within a day or two of its last meal — for this reason, these monsters continue their brutality on animals — The audacity to think it’s OK to be evil, cruel and abusive to animals — where did they get this notion! — again, let’s keep those cameras rolling and ensure these animals are PROTECTED — better yet, GO VEGAN! GO VEGAN! — also, there are small farms which are Certified Humane — until you convert to Veganism, do your research into such farms : go to “HFAC” — “CERTIFIED HUMANE RAISED & HANDLED”
Thank you for all your efforts!
Thank you to the judge for getting that law annulled!