Senate Bill 101 is scheduled to be heard by a committee of Indiana Assembly Members TOMORROW, Tuesday, January 7, at 10:00 am. Please call the committee members (you can leave a message) to let them know that you strongly oppose this Ag Gag bill. SB 101 is attempting to criminalize the investigation of cruelty to animals on factory farms and in slaughterhouses.

Residents of Indiana – the number to call is 1-800-382-9467. Please note: this telephone number will only work if you are calling from an Indiana area code. The committee members are State Senators Michael Young, Susan Glick, Rodric Bray, Brent Steele, Jim Tomes, John Waterman, Joe Zakas, Lonnie Randolph, Mark Stoops, and Greg Taylor.

You can say:

“As a resident of Indiana and a supporter of In Defense of Animals, I am calling to tell you that I wholeheartedly oppose Senate Bill 101. This bill is attempting to criminalize the investigation of cruelty to animals on factory farms or in slaughterhouses. Without the evidence that undercover investigations provide, the worst abuses committed by the factory farming industry would go unseen and unpunished. Senate Bill 101 is a clear attempt by animal agriculture interests to suppress exposure of severe animal abuse. If the animal agriculture industry is not responsible for any wrongdoing and has nothing to hide, it should not be concerned about undercover investigations.

Freedom of speech and freedom of the press are our constitutional rights as Americans. Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam recently vetoed a bill almost exactly like SB 101 citing that it was most likely unconstitutional. Governor Haslam was also concerned that the bill would make animal cruelty cases more difficult to prosecute. Please join me in opposing this legislation. Thank you.”

This is very important! If you have friends in Indiana, please share with them. Thanks for helping protect animals and free speech rights.