Lying to record animal abuse a crime

DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa became the first state Friday to make it a crime to surreptitiously get into a farming operation to record video of animal abuse.

Republican Gov. Terry Branstad signed the law despite protests, letters and campaigns launched on Twitter and Facebook by animal welfare groups that have used secretly taped videos to sway public opinion against what they consider cruel practices.

Branstad’s action wasn’t a surprise. Iowa is the nation’s leading pork and egg producer, and the governor has strong ties to the state’s agricultural industry. He signed the measure in a private ceremony.

Legislatures in seven other states – Illinois, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, New York and Utah – have considered laws that would enhance penalties against those who secretly record video of livestock, though the efforts have stalled in some states.

Iowa’s law makes lying on a job application to get access to a farm facility a serious misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,500. A second conviction carries harsher penalties. It won overwhelming approval in the Iowa Legislature on Tuesday.

Animal rights groups had called on Branstad to veto the bill, saying it ignores strong public sentiment that favors proper treatment of animals and methods of oversight that ensure safe food.