Governor of Arkansas Signs New Ag Gag Bill into Law
In Defense of Animals recently asked residents of Arkansas to contact Governor Asa Hutchinson of Arkansas to block the latest attempt by the animal agriculture industry to stifle free speech and hide animal cruelty. We're dismayed and disgusted to report that Hutchinson recently signed Act 606 (ag gag legislation) into law despite your and our best efforts, along with those of so many other caring people and organizations.
Evidence obtained by whistleblowers is virtually the only means of detecting cruelty within animal industries, and has been used to prosecute some of the most notorious animal abusers in history.
This new law (Act 606) will allow factory farm and slaughterhouse employers to sue whistleblowers directly, making them liable for thousands of dollars in damages. This law is so broad, that not only will it punish whistleblowers in animal agriculture, but ALL private businesses including nursing homes and daycare centers.
Whistleblowers do not deserve to be punished for speaking out. The individuals guilty of committing these crimes of abuse, do.
Arkansas is now the sixth state to enact an ag-gag law. Despite these silencing laws, In Defense of Animals will continue to bring the suffering of factory farmed animals to light.
At times like this, we must stress the importance of not waiting for legislative change. As an individual, each of us can do something right now to help suffering animals by no longer funding these cruel industries. Find it here, in a free and easy download.